Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, has provisionally secured $340,049 for the Oracle Fire District (OFD) in the House Appropriations Committee’s package for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in FY2025.

This funding will enable the fire district to purchase an Air Curtain Burner/Incinerator (ACI) to enhance its brush dump and burning operations. The acquisition of an ACI is expected to create a safer environment for firefighters and nearby residents by reducing the risk of embers escaping from typical "pile" burns. Additionally, it will help OFD comply with air quality standards and allow for more frequent burning of brush, thereby keeping operations open more often.

“I am proud to have utilized my position on the House Appropriations Committee to advocate for Pinal County and support the needs of the Oracle Fire District,” said Ciscomani. “Ultimately, the purchase of an ACI will result in a safer, more efficient, and more cost-effective brush burning operation in Oracle, increasing the quality of life for residents and providing for the safety of our firefighters.”

In FY24, Congressman Ciscomani secured $26 million for 13 projects across all five counties in his district. Specifically, he successfully advocated for $5.6 million for two projects in Pinal County. Ciscomani is currently the only member of Arizona's congressional delegation serving on the House Appropriations Committee.