ALTON, TX —Congressman Henry Cuellar, (D-TX28) along with firefighters and officials from the City of Alton, broke ground on a new fire station, a project made possible in part by funds through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

“The men and women of the Alton Fire Department perform selfless acts of courage to protect and serve our community,” Congressman Cuellar said. “These funds will help keep our community safe by providing appropriate shelter to personnel, thereby better serving our ever growing population and their needs. I thank the Alton Fire Department and the City of Alton for their diligent efforts in helping me guide this grant to Alton. ”

In 2010, USDA, through the Rural Development Community Facilities, awarded funds in the amount of $1,000,000 – half of which was provided in the form of a grant. The City of Alton will contribute $200,000 toward the project.

“Together, we can stay true to our motto, ‘City on the Grow’. Through these types of collaborative efforts we can make a difference, and with new facilities like this fire station we will be able to give the citizens of Alton the service they deserve,” said City of Alton Mayor Salvador Vela.

The City of Alton has outgrown the current fire station, built twenty years ago and designed for a small volunteer group. The building’s poor condition makes it difficult for cost effective repair or expansion. The new fire station will be centrally located, will accommodate three shifts of firefighters 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will have new administrative offices and training rooms. The station will also have easy access for emergency vehicles and fire trucks that will allow for faster response time and better services.

“USDA Rural Development is committed to providing assistance to rural towns and communities to help them provide valuable services to their residents,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development State Director. “This funding will provide the City of Alton Fire Department with the means to construct a new, modern fire station to protect rural residents by allowing for faster response times to emergencies within the community.”

The City of Alton Fire Department currently has a full time staff of 15 with seven trucks for various functions (engines, rescue vehicles, brush trucks).