The Town of Superior has been awarded $718,000 in congressionally directed spending to purchase a new fire engine, marking a major investment in local public safety and emergency response.
The funding was included in earlier federal budget proposals and continuing resolutions and was finalized when Congress approved the most recent continuing resolution in November. Congressional Directed Spending requests are highly competitive, with communities across Arizona and the nation seeking limited federal funds for critical local needs.
Superior Fire Chief JP Perez said the new fire engine will modernize the town’s fleet while maintaining familiarity for firefighters.
“Both of our current fire trucks are in good condition for their age,” Perez said. “The new engine will include modern safety advancements while maintaining similar characteristics to the trucks we already operate.”
Chief Perez explained that the new truck will feature increased horsepower to handle the steep elevation gains common in the region, along with a stronger braking system designed for mountainous terrain. It will also include a “Clean Cab” safety system, which prevents firefighters from wearing contaminated gear inside the cab, reducing exposure to post-fire carcinogens.
Mayor Mila Besich expressed appreciation for the Senators’ leadership in securing the funding. “We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Kelly and Senator Gallego for including Superior in their Congressional Directed Spending requests,” Besich said. “These requests are highly competitive, with communities across Arizona and the nation seeking the same limited funds. Their support sends a clear message that the needs of small, rural communities like Superior are not forgotten. As our community continues to grow, our Town Council remains firmly focused on strengthening public safety by investing in quality equipment, personnel, and response times to protect our residents and businesses.”
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly
U.S. Senator Mark Kelly emphasized the importance of replacing aging equipment. “Superior’s firefighters have been doing tough work with aging equipment for too long,” Kelly said. “Replacing a 25-year-old engine with a modern one will help crews respond to emergencies faster, protect homes, and keep people safe. I’m grateful to the local leaders who pushed for this upgrade, and I look forward to seeing the difference it makes for Superior.”
U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego
U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego echoed those sentiments, highlighting the real-world impact of the investment. “These investments will solve real problems in our state,” Gallego said. “This project will replace Superior’s outdated fire engine with a modern, reliable engine so firefighters can respond to emergencies quickly and safely. I’m grateful to the local leaders in Superior who worked with our offices to secure this funding, and I look forward to seeing this project come to life in Arizona.”
Superior Town Manager Todd Pryor noted that the fire engine will be custom-built for Superior, with an estimated delivery timeline of at least three years, likely four years. The total cost of the new engine will exceed $1 million. The congressionally directed funding will cover the majority of the cost, with the remaining balance funded through the town’s Emergency Services Agreement with Resolution Copper.
Town officials say the new fire engine represents a long-term investment in public safety and reflects strong collaboration between local, state, and federal partners to support Superior’s growing community.
What Is Congressional Directed Spending?
Congressional Directed Spending (CDS), sometimes referred to as “community project funding,” allows members of Congress to request federal funding for specific projects that directly benefit their communities.
These funds are awarded through the federal appropriations process and are highly competitive. Cities, towns, counties, and other public entities across the country submit requests for projects that address critical local needs such as public safety, infrastructure, water systems, transportation, and economic development.
Each request must meet strict eligibility and transparency requirements and is reviewed as part of the annual federal budget process. Not all requests are funded, and projects must demonstrate clear public benefit and readiness.
For small, rural communities like Superior, Congressional Directed Spending can be a vital tool to help fund large-scale projects—such as emergency equipment—that would otherwise be difficult to finance through local budgets alone.