WHARTON COUNTY — Two Wharton County volunteer fire departments are receiving state grant funding to help support their operations. The Texas A&M Forest Service recently announced awards through its Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, with both the Wharton and Hungerford volunteer fire departments receiving funding for fire and rescue equipment.
The latest round of grants, announced May 15, awarded more than $1.1 million to departments in Wharton, Jackson, Matagorda, Brazoria, Austin and Colorado counties for equipment ranging from fire trucks and water tenders to protective gear and training equipment.
In Wharton County, the Hungerford Volunteer Fire Department and the Wharton Volunteer Fire Department each received $25,000 for fire and rescue equipment.
Brazoria County received the largest share of funding among the counties reviewed, totaling $550,000. The County Road 143 Volunteer Fire Department received $300,000 for a water tender, while the Danbury Fire Department was awarded $165,000 for a small brush truck. Additional grants went to the Iowa Colony, Old Ocean, Rosharon and Jones Creek departments.
Colorado County departments received a combined $335,000. The Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Department received $300,000 for a water tender, while the Frelsburg and Rock Island volunteer fire departments received grants for fire and rescue equipment and training aids.
Matagorda County departments received $95,000 in funding. Grants were awarded to the Midfield, Palacios and Van Vleck volunteer fire departments.
Austin County departments received a combined $85,000. Funding went to the Bellville, Industry, San Felipe/Frydek and Shelby volunteer fire departments.
In Jackson County, the Carancahua Community Volunteer Fire Department received $10,000 for training aids, while Jackson County ESD No. 3 received $2,400 for a dry hydrant project.
No departments from Fort Bend County appeared on the funding list for this round.
According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, approximately $29.3 million was awarded statewide during the fourth funding round of Fiscal Year 2026. The program helps volunteer fire departments purchase equipment and improve their ability to respond to emergencies in the communities they serve.
Leave a Reply