COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The Texas A&M Forest Service is awarding $164 million in funding for rural fire departments across Texas as part of the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.

The Forest Service said the funding will award 558 fire trucks and 321 slip-on units to volunteer fire departments across the state thanks to a "historic investment" from the 89th Texas Legislature.

The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program was established in 2001 by Texas House Bill 2604 to provide grants to rural volunteer fire departments for essential firefighting equipment and training, according to the Forest Service. Over the years, the program has reportedly awarded over $500 million in grants.

This year marks the largest-ever allocation of awards through the program, the

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