SOMERTON, Arizona.- The Somerton Cocopah Fire Department has been selected as a recipient of the 12% grant funding from proposition 202 in the amount of $32,302.86 for firefighter and safety equipment. We are honored to be selected by the Tohono O’odham Nation.
Gaming revenue is an important source of funding for so many in our state. When Arizona voters passed proposition 202 in 2002, it allowed the continuation of limited Indian gaming on tribal lands. This meant Arizona tribes could continue to address the desperate needs that exist on tribal lands, including strengthening public safety, improving the health and well-being of tribal members, and opening up educational opportunities, and so much more.
Under proposition 202, the state of Arizona also receives a portion of the gaming revenue, which is used to benefit public education, environmental programs, and other needs. Of the revenues shared, 12% is made available to cities, towns, work counties for a purpose benefiting the general public through either direct distribution to the local governments or in the form of a deposit to the state of Arizona commerce and economic development commissions local community fund.
The grant is conditional upon development of a Grant-in-aid. The City of Somerton and the Somerton Cocopah Fire Department will work towards taking the necessary steps for final approval.