COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Texas House Speaker Joe Straus requested that Texas Forest Service expedite the distribution of $27 million for the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and made an additional $5 million available to pay for firefighting equipment and other expenses resulting from the unprecedented wildfire season this year.
“Due to the extreme drought conditions and destructive wildfires that have burned millions of acres across the State of Texas this year, we believe it is vitally important to provide volunteer fire departments with the critical resources they need to save lives and protect property when dangerous wildfires threaten their communities,” the three state leaders said in a letter sent Wednesday to the director of Texas Forest Service.
The funds will be administered by Texas Forest Service and distributed via grants to volunteer fire departments. As directed, the grant applications will be screened to prioritize funding for volunteer fire departments hardest hit by this year’s wildfires.
“Volunteer firefighters are our first line of defense here in Texas so we’re thrilled to hear about the additional funding set aside for them and we are thankful to Gov. Perry, Lt. Governor Dewhurst, Speaker Straus and the Legislature for their continued support and leadership. We’ll make these emergency grants a priority,” said Texas Forest Service Director Tom Boggus.
Texas Forest Service will be getting more information out to volunteer fire departments within the next few days.
