WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the City of Crisfield has been awarded a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDARD) grant of $44,685 to replace three police vehicles damaged by Super Storm Sandy.

“We need to make sure that we have well equipped first responders in place to protect our families and communities,” Senator Cardin said. “They may not know what to expect when they answer a call, but they should expect to have the best equipment.  In the wake of Sandy, we need to be sure we invest in Crisfield so they have the needed tools to rebuild and grow.”

“I’m on the side of first responders. I believe if you are willing to put your life on the line every day, you should never feel short-changed by your government,” Senator Mikulski said. “Super-Storm Sandy was super damaging in Maryland, especially for the residents of Somerset County. These federal dollars will help provide the vehicles that Crisfield police need to get back on the road and serve their community.”

As Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Mikulski led the Senate’s ultimate passage of the Super-Storm Sandy Supplemental Appropriations Bill which increased funding for disaster relief after the storm. Senators Cardin  led the Maryland delegation in urging President Obama to support a Pre-Disaster Declaration, Disaster Declaration and Individual Assistance for Maryland counties impacted by Super-Storm Sandy. 

The Rural Development program seeks to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America through community investment.

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