WASHINGTON D.C. (KFSM) – Arkansas Senators John Boozman and Tom Cotton, along with Fourth District Congressman Bruce Westerman, announced Thursday (Mar. 26) three United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) grants totaling $104,000, which will help Franklin and Yell Counties purchase emergency response equipment.
“Our first responders must have the necessary tools to safely react to emergency situations,” Boozman said. “These funds will help keep families safe and protect the communities in Franklin and Yell counties.”
In Franklin County, first responders will receive $50,000 which will go toward purchasing a new ambulance to replace one currently in use that’s ten years old.
In Yell County, the city of Ola will also get $50,000 to help fund the purchase of a new pumper truck which will replace the 35-year-old truck that’s now in use. In addition,Belleville, which is also in Yell County, will receive $4,000 to go toward the purchase of lockers for firefighters to store equipment.
“Arkansas’s first responders are some of the best in the country,” Cotton said. “They do important work and their contribution to our state is invaluable. I applaud the USDA’s recognition of their dedication and their decision to award these grants to Franklin and Yell counties.”
“First responders must have the tools necessary to save lives and property,” Westerman said. “I’m pleased to see these two counties in the Fourth District receive grants to keep their citizens safe.”
