ATLANTA — Big money is headed to Atlanta to help revamp a historic fire station.
Mayor Andre Dickens and Congresswoman Nikema Williams announced on Monday that the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation will receive $500,000 in federal funding. The money was secured as part of this year's government funding package and will be used to renovate Atlanta Fire Rescue Station 16, which housed the city's first Black firefighters.
Congresswoman Nikema Williams says this funding is an investment in Atlanta's past and future.
"We have to make sure we continue to invest in what we have here," Williams said.
The Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation expressed immense gratitude for the large contribution and thanked Congresswoman Williams for her efforts to improve public safety in Atlanta.
"Today's funding announcement is a major milestone for our organization and for public safety as we continue to support the personal and professional lives of the brave men and women of Atlanta Fire Rescue," said Taos Wynn, President and CEO of the Atlanta Fire Rescue Foundation. "We are grateful to Congresswoman Nikema Williams and her office for recognizing the importance of investing capital into the fire and emergency response ecosystem of Atlanta and the purpose it serves to the residents and their community.
City officials said the funding will help to enhance public safety in the Vine City and English Avenue communities.