Over $161,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Award for Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc.
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced that the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad has been awarded $161,975 in federal grant funds to improve operations and safety through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program.
“The AFG grant money will go toward replacing all of the Departments SCBA’s (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus),” stated Steve Cook, President of Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad, Inc. “With soaring expenses, this is a welcome benefit to the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad in meeting the needs of our community. The bottom line is that the best equipment will be protecting the lives of men and women who give of their time so freely to help protect others in the community. Maintaining the safety of our community and volunteers is our number one priority. Having this grant funding is huge for our department and couldn’t have come at a better time.”
AFG funding is awarded to fire departments and EMS organizations to enhance their response capabilities and more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency response personnel. Congressman Hoyer helped establish the AFG Program in 2001 and since then over $15 million has been awarded to Fifth District fire departments.
Contract for Constructing Second Phase of Pax River Aircraft Prototype Facility Awarded to John Grimberg Company
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced that the Navy has awarded a $44.2 million bid for constructing the second phase of the Aircraft Prototype Facility at Pax River Naval Air Station to the John Grimberg Company. This will enable construction to move forward on a facility that will enhance Pax River’s role as a center for defense and innovation and aircraft engineering.
“I was proud to be on hand in June 2010 for the dedication of Phase 1 of Pax River’s Aircraft Prototype Facility, and I am excited to share the news that Phase II is now moving forward,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “Pax River is already one of the world’s premier centers for research, development, testing, and evaluation of aircraft, and this facility will ensure that it can continue to play a leading role in the development and prototyping of new aircraft and weapons systems – and support good jobs and business opportunities in communities throughout the area. Over the years, I have been honored to work with officials both on and off the base to ensure that Congress and the Defense Department fully understand Pax River’s critical role in our national defense. I look forward to continuing to partner together to ensure strong support as it continues to expand its mission and the growth of innovation and technology entrepreneurship in Southern Maryland.”
Winner of the 2014 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition
“Flowing Within” by Jekko Syquia to Represent Fifth District in the U.S. Capitol
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) announced the 2014 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition winner: Jekko Syquia from Waldorf, Maryland. Jekko will be a sophomore at Maurice J. McDonough High School this upcoming school year. His artwork, titled “Flowing Within,” will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for one year.
“I’m pleased to announce that Jekko Syquia has been selected as this year’s Fifth District Congressional Art Competition winner,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “Each year, I’m proud that so many talented Fifth District students submit artwork to be considered, and I look forward to seeing them on display in the Capitol and in my office. I thank all who participated in the competition, as well as members of the Fifth District arts community for reviewing submissions and selecting Jekko’s outstanding watercolor.”
This is the 33rd year that Members of Congress have showcased the artistic talent of high school students from their districts at the Congressional Art Competition – An Artistic Discovery. Representatives of the Fifth District arts community – including art teachers and professional artists – review each submission in the Fifth District and select one piece to represent the Fifth District in the U.S. Capitol. All other artwork submitted by Fifth District students will be displayed in Congressman Hoyer’s offices throughout the year.
Hoyer Meets With Maryland Students Participating In National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) met with Maryland students participating in the annual National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Youth Tour today. Four students from Maryland were selected by the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) to participate in the Youth Tour, including Jadea Deahl from Patuxent High School, David Maurer from Lackey High School, Jessica Gardiner from St. Mary’s Ryken School, and Lindsey McFadden from Gwynn Park High School.
“I was pleased to meet with Maryland students participating in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s annual Youth Tour today,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “Each year, the Youth Tour provides students with the exciting opportunity to visit their nation’s capital and meet with Members of Congress. I thank SMECO for participating in the Youth Tour and for providing Fifth District students with this unique learning experience.”
Approximately 1,500 high school students from across the country travel to Washington, DC in June as part of the annual NRECA Youth Tour. To be selected, students enter a competitive essay contest, and winners receive a trip to DC for a week to visit local sites and museums and meet with Members of Congress. Since it began in 1964, over 42,000 students have participated in the Youth Tour.
$2 Million SAFER Grant Awarded to Maryland State Fireman’s Association
Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) announced that a $2,254,670 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant was awarded to the Maryland State Fireman’s Association, in partnership with the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association. The grant will be used for the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters in Maryland.
Congressman Hoyer, co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, attended the 122nd Annual Convention and Conference of the Maryland State Firemen’s Association earlier this week and discussed the importance of the SAFER and Assistance to Firefighters grant programs. Earlier this year, he led a Congressional letter with over 170 signatories calling for $680 million in federal funding for fire fighters nationwide.
“After meeting with the Maryland State Fireman’s Association this week and discussing the needs of the fire serves community in our state, I’m very pleased to announce this grant funding,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “Fire fighters across the state continue to put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of all Marylanders, and this grant will help ensure Maryland fire departments can adequately staff their stations and retain top-notch volunteers to protect our communities. As co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I know how critical this grant funding is to our fire services and I will continue to fight on their behalf so that they can maintain the safety of our community and volunteers on the job.”
“The Maryland State Firemen's Association is very pleased to receive these funds in an effort to work in partnership with the Maryland Fire Chiefs Association to bring new members to the Maryland Fire and Rescue Services. These funds will be utilized to increase the number of available volunteer fire service personnel to better serve our communities and the citizens from across the state,” said MSFA Immediate Past President Jackie Olson.
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program provides necessary funding to help ensure 24-hour staffing at our nation’s fire stations so that communities are protected from fire and fire-related hazards. Click here for more information on SAFER grants.