U.S. Sen. Britt directly secures $426,000 for Coosa County Emergency Management Agency
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Special to the News
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), chair of the Subcommittee on Homeland Security Appropriations, recently directly secured $126,000 for the Coosa County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Homeland Security Appropriations Act and $300,000 in the FY26 Labor, Health and Human Servies, and Related Agencies Act.
This funding will support the purchase of a new generator and ambulance equipment and procurement for the Coosa County EMA headquarters.
Coosa County has been working on strengthening its emergency management center as a place to gather and plan when called on in the case of bad weather or other unpredictable events. Coosa County EMA is comprised of several volunteers that complement its small paid force.
Sixty-four of Alabama’s 67 counties are considered “ambulance deserts.” The Coosa County Commission operates a county-run ambulance service for local and surrounding residents. Through their efforts, Coosa County EMA has reduced the time a local resident needs ambulance attention.
“I’m proud to have secured $426,000 in appropriations funding for the Coosa County EMA,” said Sen. Britt. “This commonsense investment will strengthen the county’s emergency preparedness by ensuring reliable, continuous power during disasters and will bolster their ambulance system so the county can respond more quickly to an ill or injured individual. When facing severe weather, serious medical attention, or other emergencies, this funding will allow Coosa County EMA to maintain critical operations, coordinate response efforts and continue to deliver timely support to communities when it matters most.”
“We are a small, rural county and proud of our ability to protect our citizens and their property when natural, man-made or other disaster strikes. Loss of electric service is the single most crippling problem during any disaster. A generator for our Emergency Management Command Center will provide continuity of communications, command, control, conferencing, and planning functions so as to better and more efficiently direct our response and recovery efforts. Sen. Britt listens to her volunteer responders, truly understands their critical needs and, has again, stepped in to help. We in Coosa County feel truly blessed and greatly appreciate her efforts on our behalf,” said Coosa County EMA Deputy Director Les Sellers.
“On behalf of the Coosa County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens we proudly serve, I want to express our deepest gratitude for your support in securing the $300,000 grant that will help medical services for three ambulances currently serving in Coosa County. The three ambulances are composed of a Coosa County Commission sponsored unit in Rockford and companion volunteer ambulance units from the towns of Goodwater and Kellyton.
“In rural communities like ours, emergency medical response is not just a matter of convenience, it is often the difference between life and death. This funding will strengthen our ability to answer critical calls, help reduce response times and ensure that families across our county receive the emergency medical care they deserve when they need it most.
“Your commitment to public safety and rural healthcare will have a direct and lasting impact on countless lives throughout our community. The people of Coosa County may never know every challenge faced behind the scenes to secure this support, but they will absolutely feel the benefits when help arrives faster during their moments of greatest need.
“Sen. Britt, we are sincerely thankful for your leadership, your partnership and your investment in the safety and well-being of our citizens. This grant represents more than funding. It represents hope, protection and a stronger future for Coosa County,” said Sheriff Michael Howell.
