Millions in grant funding still flowing into Texas
by Mary Scott Nabers
CEO of Strategic Partnerships, Inc.
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The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded $11.9 million to fund construction of new fire stations or upgrades to existing stations. The funds, part of $210 million set aside for projects nationwide in the Recovery Act, not only relieves the financial burden for local taxpayers, but also creates thousands of contracting opportunities in local communities.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) sent funding to 75 fire department and emergency medical services organizations in Texas. Most used the funding to purchase vehicles or equipment.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) also sent millions to Texas through various types of grants. The funds are to be used for state and local law enforcement initiatives. For example, the Val Verde Sheriff's Office recently used its $80,000 to purchase new computers.
Contracting opportunities will increase in Texas because of more funding just announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The money can be spent for roofing, plumbing, electrical upgrades and energy efficiency projects in housing authority facilities. HUD funding approved for Texas totaled almost $96.5 million, including $11.9 million for San Antonio, $7.7 million for Dallas, $10.2 million for El Paso and $6.45 million for Houston.
Just this week, the State Comptroller's Office awarded $3.84 million in equipment grants to two-dozen Texas community colleges. The funds allow for the purchase of equipment in high-demand career and technical programs. Austin Community College will receive $98,000 and will use it for training students in the automotive technology field of alternative fuels and for purchasing hybrid vehicles.
South Texas College will use its $350,000 grant to purchase a grid system for solar energy, solar panels and batteries to help teach classes on how to install, connect, maintain and test electrical systems for a variety of purposes.
(To view a complete list of recipients of HUD funding and the June Assistance to Firefighter Grant awards, click here and look under "Recent Reports.")
