COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - The Texas A&M Forest Service awarded $164 million in grants to volunteer fire departments around the state on Tuesday.

The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program held a funding committee meeting to highlight 879 approvals that are set for Fiscal Year 2026. The program started in 2001 after the 77th state legislature decided to invest in volunteer fire departments following a severe wildfire season.

Forest Service department head Jason Keiningham said the state legislature helped contribute to the grants.

“We just want to strengthen their capability. We’re very thankful to the state legislature for making this day possible, and we appreciate the governor for signing off because none of this would be possible,” Keiningham said.

Texas A&M Fo

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