The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $128,200 in Community Facilities Grants to help several local agencies replace their aging vehicles.
Projects receiving grants include:
-Clay County Commission – Awarded an $8,900 Community Facilities Grant to purchase a new patrol vehicle for the Clay County Law Enforcement Department. Coupled with an additional investment of $16,600 from the commission, this $25,500 project will benefit 9,386 rural West Virginians.
-Clay County Commission – Awarded a $43,900 Community Facilities Economic Impact Initiative Grant and $6,100 Community Facilities Grant to assist in purchasing two new ambulances. With an additional $100,000 in funds from the commission, this $150,000 project will benefit the 9,386 citizens of Clay County by helping first responders respond to mining accidents, four-wheeler accidents, car accidents, and logging accidents in the mountainous areas of Clay County that are only accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles.
-Big Otter Volunteer Fire Department – Awarded a $19,300 Community Facilities grant and a $50,000 Community Facilities Persistent Poverty Grant to assist in replacing the cab and chassis on their 1993 fire truck. The truck is one of only two fire trucks in the department and it recently had to be removed from service due to major cab and chassis issues. This USDA investment, along with a $23,105 matching contribution from the fire department will provide $92,405 that will benefit the 3,173 rural West Virginians served by the Big Otter Volunteer Fire Department.
“Assisting rural communities as they protect and serve their citizens is how USDA helps build strong communities,” said Kris Warner, West Virginia State Director, USDA Rural Development. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has continued to work untiringly as a strong partner to the Mountain State, because we know that when rural West Virginia thrives, all of America thrives.”
These investments are part of 20 statewide Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants with a total investment of more than $6.5 million.
Rural Development’s community facilities direct loans and grants can be used to purchase, construct, and/or improve essential community facilities; purchase equipment; and pay related project expenses. For more information about the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program visit https://go.usa.gov/xGEbm.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
