This week we remembered the five year anniversary of the September 11^th tragedy, when our nation was attacked and more than 3,000 people lost their lives. Just like the construction surrounding Ground Zero where the Twin Towers once stood, people who were affected by this attack across the country are still working to rebuild their lives. As we reflect on this national tragedy we must also mourn the loss of all those who have since given their lives for our country in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The attacks of September 11^th were immediately felt in Arkansas as the state mourned its first casualty. A native of Pine Bluff, Operations Specialist 2^nd Class Nehamon Lyons IV lost his life while serving in the Pentagon on September 11^th, 2001.  As Arkansans, we can never forget Operations Specialist 2^nd Class Lyons, his family and friends and all of those in this great state who have been touched by this catastrophic event.  We must also keep the men and women in uniform who have either served or are still serving overseas in our prayers as we continue to support their families who await their return. 

As a member of Congress, I am committed to ensuring that attacks like this never happen again. Protecting our skies, our ports and our borders are vital to our homeland security. Today, 22 percent of all air cargo still goes unchecked on passenger flights and only 5 percent of the cargo containers entering U.S. ports are ever screened. We must improve on this in order to protect our borders and secure our homeland. I have a plan to hire 1,000 new, full-time port of entry inspectors, and train 1,500 additional K-9 units to strengthen security at ports across America. We must also make sure these ports are operated by U.S. companies who are employing U.S. citizens.

Not only must we do everything possible on a national level, we must also equip our first responders with the necessary equipment and training to deal with emergencies should they occur at the local level. These brave men and women are the front line troops for our homeland security. That’s why I will continue to find ways to help our first responders. Just last week, the Cornerville Volunteer Fire Department benefited from legislation I first introduced in the House of Representatives in 2002. Cornerville, a rural South Arkansas community in Lincoln County, now owns an emergency fire vehicle that will help their first responders better protect their citizens.

Each year on September 11^th, we must always remember those tragic events that united our nation five years ago.  Americans proved the ability we have as a nation to pull together in the most difficult of times to help one another. As we mourn the loss of American lives this week, we cannot lose that focus, and should remain steadfast in our determination, to do everything we can to prevent such a tragedy from ever occurring again.

The funding was awarded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) new Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP). The goal of FMPP is to increase domestic consumption of fresh agricultural products while providing support to farmers through farmers markets, roadside stands or other similar agricultural ventures.

U.S. Representative Mike Ross (AR-04) was joined by U.S. Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor in announcing today’s grants.

“Arkansas’ farmer’s markets provide a wonderful marketplace for our local farmers to distribute their fresh goods, and they are a tremendous resource for residents who want access to affordable, homegrown fruits and vegetables,” Ross said. “I am proud that Hot Springs will receive these important funds, as both local farmers and consumers will benefit from fresh, nutritional produce grown right here in Arkansas.”

“I congratulate the City of Hot Springs as one of only 20 communities across the country to receive this exciting funding," Lincoln said. "These federal dollars will allow the Farmers' Market to encourage more vendors to participate and give more area residents access to fresh, locally grown food.” 

“Farmers markets can play an important role in the economic growth of communities, as well as the health and well-being of the area.  I’m pleased families the Hot Springs will benefit from this federal investment, and I look forward to seeing the improvements this funding will bring,” Pryor said.

Hot Springs is one of 20 cities chosen nationwide out of a pool of more than 3,500 applicants to receive these first-time grants. The city plans to use the funds to address infrastructure needs, increase public awareness and diversify the vendor mix and customer base.

For more information, contact Jon Niven (Ross) at (202) 225-0753; Lisa Ackerman (Pryor) at (202) 224.2419 or Katie Laning (Lincoln) at (202) 224-4843.

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