PART 12. TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE

CHAPTER 216. RURAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

4 TAC §§216.1, 216.2, 216.4 - 216.6, 216.9

Texas A&M Forest Service (Agency) adopts an amendment to Chapter 216 of the Texas Administrative Code, Title 4, Part 12, §§216.1, 216.2, 216.4 - 216.6 and 216.9, concerning the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, without changes to the proposed text as published in the January 20, 2023, issue of the Texas Register (48 TexReg 191) and will not be republished.

The adopted amendment adds language to provide clarity, provide the addition of the agency's online grant application system, provide more specifications to award criteria, change how grant applications are ranked, remove requested funding as a factor in application ratings, and divide funds by branch instead of region for other equipment.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

Texas A&M Forest Service has adopted the amendment pursuant to Texas Government Code, §614.102, which authorizes the agency director to adopt rules considered necessary for the administration of the program and Texas Government Code, §614.106, which mandates that the agency adopt rules to administer the program.

The agency certifies that legal counsel has reviewed the adoption and found it to be a valid exercise of the agency's legal authority.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State on February 28, 2023.

TRD-202300942

Robby DeWitt

Associate Director for Finance and Administration

Texas A&M Forest Service

Effective date: March 20, 2023

Proposal publication date: January 20, 2023

For further information, please call: (979) 458-7341