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River Falls reports $1.4M in federal fire-station funding; police communications money selected
Summary
Consultants said River Falls secured $1.4 million in congressional directed spending for fire station renovations and reported a separate $862,000 selection for police communications; the city will pursue FEMA AFG and other grants for equipment.
Merchant McIntyre reported at a River Falls federal funding workshop that congressionally directed spending (community project funding) in fiscal 2024 included $1,400,000 for fire station renovations and that a separate allocation for police communications equipment was selected for a future community project cycle.
Fiona McLeod of Merchant McIntyre said, “through the congressionally directed spending or community project funding process in f y 24, we were able to secure 1,400,000.0 for the firehouse, fire station renovations,” and she attributed the congressional selection to Congressman Derek Van Orden.
McLeod said police communications – including communications towers and portable radios – “were also selected by congressman Derek Van Orden for the f y 26 community project funding process.” McLeod stated the funding level for that item is currently about $862,000 and that the consultants expect that amount will allow completion of the communications project.
For fire apparatus and equipment, McLeod said the city is preparing to pursue the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program. After discussions with the fire chief and police chief, she listed candidate purchases to target through grant funding: a water tender, a ladder truck, SCBA equipment and additional portable radios. McLeod said the AFG funding cycle typically opens in the fall and the team will monitor FEMA priorities to align the city’s application.
City staff and consultants framed the FY24 CDS award as a step in a multi‑year plan to address facilities and equipment needs; the FY26 police communications selection remains subject to the congressional appropriation process and further administrative steps.
