HIGHFILL — The Highfill Fire Department was the recipient of a $50,000 Rural Services Block Grant and is using the money to purchase 23 sets of turn-out gear with harnesses for use by Highfill firefighters.

A check was presented to Highfill Fire Chief Jeremy Jackson and Highfill Fire Marshal Rob Holland at special ceremonies in Little Rock on March23. Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe presented the check.

Additional funds needed for the purchase will come out of a line item in the fire department’s budget.

Highfill was one of 12 rural Arkansas communities to receive a grant in this year’s program. A total of $492,769 was awarded to the communities.

The Department of Rural Services works in partnership with the Arkansas Rural Development Commission to select Rural Services Block Grant recipients. The grant program is funded through HUD’s Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program.

Incorporated cities and towns and unincorporated communities in rural areas with less than 3,000 in population and that are 51 percent or above on the low-to-moderate income scale are eligible to apply for the grants through their mayor or county judge.

Area, Pages 6 on 04/14/2010