Lott, Cochran: $2.3 Million Awarded for Fire Departments in Lamar, Pearl River and Covington Counties
Today, federal funding totaling more than $2.3 million to buy fire equipment and refurbish fire department buildings in Lamar, Pearl River and Covington counties was awarded, U.S. Senators Trent Lott and Thad Cochran said.
?This is funding that will significantly improve fire services in these areas, helping to protect residential and commercial property while also making them eligible for better insurance rates,? Senator Lott said.
The funds will be distributed though the U.S. Department of Agriculture?s Office of Rural Development.
?I am pleased to see the Department of Agriculture release funding to improve fire equipment and facilities in South Mississippi,? Senator Cochran said. ?These funds will give local fire departments the ability to better protect the citizens, infrastructure, and resources in this important part of our state.?
Specifically the award includes:
* $1.8 million to the Lamar County Board of Supervisors. This includes a $500,000 grant and a $1,357,500 million loan which the county may use to purchase 10 Class A pumpers and a tanker. This will provide new fire protection in six areas of the county, helping to meet Mississippi Rating Bureau Class 8 requirements countywide.
* $250,000 to the Mount Olive Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department. Funds will be used to purchase an existing building for rehabilitation into a fire station.
* $234,534 for the Henleyfield Volunteer Fire Department, near Carriere. Funds will be used for an addition to an existing fire department building.
Press Release
Senator Trent Lott
4/11/7
Magnolia Tribune
