Grant Will Provide Housing For Two Fire Trucks

The US Embassy in Majuro, Marshall Islands announced Monday it was awarding a $14 million grant to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

The funds are intended to be used to build a new airport rescue and fire fighting building to house Amata Kabua International Airport's emergency services and personnel and for improvements to the airport's security fence, according to the embassy.

Two new fire trucks the Federal Aviation Administration delivered to the RMI Ports Authority Aug. 16 will be housed in the new facility. The fire apparatus, valued at $1.5 million collectively, will be dedicated for use at the airport. The valued amount of the trucks includes equipment, a four-year maintenance program and training for fire personnel.

Presented by Ron Simpson and Barry Brever with the FAA and Ambassador Clyde Bishop, the grant was accepted by Minister Michael Konelios and Minister Brenson Wase for the Marshallese government.

Monday's grant, under the FAA's Airport Improvement Program, is one of the largest of its kind ever awarded and brings the FAA's investment in the airport to $39.6 million since 2004.

FMI: www.rmiembassyus.org, http://airport.u.nu/MAJ, www.faa.gov