Alford Secures $1 Million for El Dorado Springs Public Safety Building in House-Passed Funding Bill

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 8646, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2027. Through his role on the Appropriations Committee, Congressman Mark Alford (MO-04) secured $1,000,000 in the House-passed legislation for the construction of a new public safety building in El Dorado Springs.

This targeted investment will help provide a new facility for both the police and fire departments, modernizing operations, improving response times, and enhancing the services first responders can provide to the El Dorado Springs community.

"We're securing federal funding reasonable projects in Fourth District communities like El Dorado Springs to improve public safety and keep our neighborhoods secure," said Congressman Alford. "This million-dollar investment will go toward a new facility to house the police and fire departments, which will significantly improve the city's emergency response capabilities. With safer streets, families in our communities can grow and prosper. Together, we're turning the 'Show Me State" into the 'Grow Me State.'"

Here's what El Dorado Springs elected leaders are saying about this critical federal investment:

"The City of El Dorado Springs is very appreciative of your efforts in helping secure this much-needed assistance. Thanks to your support, our police and fire departments will be able to relocate from an outdated 1940s-era electric power plant that has become cramped and inefficient for modern public safety operations," said El Dorado Springs Mayor Allen Hicks. "This funding will help make possible a modern facility designed to improve operational efficiency, better serve our community, and provide room for future growth. The positive impact of this investment will be felt for many years to come. On behalf of the City of El Dorado Springs, thank you for your commitment to our community and for helping make this important project a reality."

"This $1 million Federal Agriculture Appropriations investment is a significant step forward for El Dorado Springs and the future safety of its residents," said Missouri State Rep. Dane Diehl. "I'm grateful for the support we received from Congressman Alford and other federal leaders who recognize the importance of strengthening public safety infrastructure in our rural communities."

"The Cedar County Commission is pleased that Congressman Alford's efforts helped pass a $1 million rural community grant for our county," said Cedar County Associate Northern Commissioner Ronald Alumbaugh. "The Cedar County Commission is in support of the continued efforts of the El Dorado Springs Police and Fire Departments in constructing and relocating to a much-needed appropriate modern facility. The existing facilities are outdated and extremely crowded. Included in the proposed construction plan is an area for developing a regional training facility. Fire Chief Bob Floyd, Chief of Police Bret Dawn, City Manager Bruce Rogers, and the City Council worked closely together in developing and submitting this proposal. The anticipated construction of the expanded training facility will better prepare fire, police, and first responders to provide services and deal with a variety of emergency situations. In addition, this modernization will better accommodate existing equipment, personnel and the development of area wide communication and training."

Community Project Funding is a way for Members of Congress to direct federal money to specific local projects in their districts as part of the annual appropriations, or government funding, bills. This gives Members a tool to address real community needs, with new rules implemented to reduce waste and increase transparency compared to the previous earmark process.

Congressman Alford is the only Missourian on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which controls the purse strings for the entire federal government. Through this role, Alford secured almost $23,000,000 in targeted investments in Fiscal Year 2026 for the Fourth District to help turn the "Show Me State" into the "Grow Me State."

###