Washington, DC  -  Congressman Mike Rogers congratulated the citizens of Clay County today for receiving Federal support for three fire departments across the county, funding which should total $354,350 this year.

Rogers said the following fire departments should receive grants from this week’s announcement to help purchase new fire trucks: $128,250 for Coppermine Volunteer Fire Department and $156,750 for Mountain Volunteer Fire Department.

Rogers also said Ashland Volunteer Fire Department should receive $69,350 to help purchase new safety equipment. All grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and should provide critical support for local first responders.

“Clay County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I am thrilled local citizens will benefit from these investments and certainly congratulate our local firefighters for receiving these grants.”

Rogers said funding for the grants is included under the 2005 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, an essential Federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation. “I would also like to thank State Senator Gerald Dial and State Representative Richard Laird for their assistance with these projects,” Rogers said.

Rogers is Chairman of the Subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight on the Committee on Homeland Security in Congress, and said he hoped additional fire grants for East Alabama fire departments could be announced over the next several months.