Harris Statement on USDA Grant To Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Inc

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, Congressman Andy Harris, M.D. (R-MD), Acting Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Agriculture Subcommittee, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a $112,500 Rural Development investment grant to Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company, Inc (RCVFC) for the purchase of a 36-foot Aluminum Fire and Safety Rescue Vessel. Presently, Rock Hall is relying on the available equipment of nearby counties such as the Kent Island fireboat which travels nearly 15 miles (30 minutes) to assist with fires. The purchase of this fire boat will greatly assist in protecting the residents and infrastructure of Rock Hall.

Statement from Congressman Harris:

“Because the Rock Hall Volunteer Fire Company serves several small and surrounding towns as the “first call” to many fire and medical related emergencies, it is imperative that they have their own updated equipment. Last year alone, it was estimated that the RHVFC responded to over 200 fire and/or rescue calls in the community as well as more than 500 emergency medical related calls. This level of critical community need certainly warrants this rural investment funding, and I am confident this fire boat will improve the overall public safety of the Rock Hall residents.”

For media inquiries, please contact Congressman Harris’ Washington, DC office at 202-225-5311, or contact Anna.A@mail.house.gov