February 2007 Archives

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Heath Shuler today announced that the Buncombe
County Firefighters Association has received a federal grant for $455,245.00 to purchase
a Mobile Burn House.
 
The Mobile Burn House (MBH) is a semi-trailer with moveable partition walls that can
be moved to create hallways and different rooms. The MBH will burn propane gas and
will be able to be moved from station to station for training exercises. This will allow
departments to conduct their training with their own equipment and without taking their
firefighters out of their fire district. 
 
“This trailer will be a greatly improve our firefighting and search and rescue practices,”
said West Buncombe Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Randy Ratcliff. “Also, often
times while in a structure during a fire the primary route to safety for a firefighter will
become blocked by debris and collapsing walls. This MBH will allow us to provide better
training on finding alternate routes to safety for firefighters in these situations.”
 
The MBH will also allow for greater training coordination between local fire
departments, sheriff’s departments, and emergency medical services. Various training
situations can be set up at the MBH to which all first responders would respond to
increase coordination.
 
“We are all thankful for the brave men and women of who risk their lives protecting our
families, homes, and communities,” said Representative Heath Shuler. “This mobile burn
house will keep our firefighters safer by allowing them to be better trained and better
equipped to handle the dangerous situations they face on a daily basis.” 
 
The grant for the MBH was issued through the Federal Emergency Management
Agency’s Fire Act Grant program.
 
Assistant Chief Ratcliff can be reached at the West Buncombe Fire Department, 828-254-
7387 Ext. 11.                                                                  

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Download: Congressman Heath Shuler Announces Grant for Buncombe County Fire Department 

Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler today released the following comment
on President Bush’s proposal to sell 5,685 acres of National Forest land in North
Carolina.
 
“I strongly object to President Bush’s proposal to sell thousands of acres of National
Forest land across our district, state, and nation. As a member of the National Parks,
Forests, and Public Lands Subcommittee, I will be working closely with members of both
parties to ensure this proposal is stopped and our forests are protected.”
 
“We must also continue working to reauthorize and properly fund the Secure Rural
Schools and Community Self-Determination Act. That is why I have asked to be a co-
sponsor of H.R. 17 the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination
Reauthorization Act. As we work through the budget process for the Fiscal Year 2008, I
will fight to fund our rural schools, while protecting our national forests.”
 
 
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Download: Congressman Heath Shuler’s Statement on the President’s Proposal to Sell National Forest Land

Washington, D.C. – Representative Heath Shuler announced today that he has been
appointed to the National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee within the
Committee on Natural Resources.
 
“All of Western North Carolina has truly been blessed with tremendous natural beauty
from the Great Smokies to Pisgah National Forest to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Having
grown up in Swain County, I have a deep, personal appreciation for the Great Smoky
Mountain National Park and understand how important these lands are to the people of
the 11th District. As a member of the NFS, I will work tirelessly to ensure that our public
lands are protected so that generations to come may enjoy them just as we have,” said
Rep. Shuler.
 
“I am also acutely aware of how important our national parks and lands are to the
economy of the 11th District. We generate millions of dollars each year through these
assets, and we must make certain that pollution and development do not threaten this
valuable economic engine.”
 
In addition to resources, the Committee also has jurisdiction over issues relating to Native
American tribes. 
 
“I have had the opportunity to build strong relationships with many members of the
Eastern Band of Cherokee, and I look forward to working Chief Hicks and the Council to
make certain their needs are met.
 
In addition to the Committee on Natural Resources Rep. Shuler serves on the Committee
on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Small Business. He chairs the
Subcommittee on Rural and Urban Entrepreneurship within the Small Business
Committee.
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Download: Congressman Heath Shuler to Serve on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee of Natural Resources Committee