http://www.usda.gov/2007/09/0244.xml
Contact:
Keith Williams (202) 720-4623
Weldon Freeman (202) 690-1384
JOHANNS ANNOUNCES $9.2 MILLION IN COMMUNITY FACILITY GRANTS
WASHINGTON, September 12, 2007 -- Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the award of $9.2 million in Community Facilities grants to improve public safety, health care and educational services in 30 states and the Western Pacific.
"These grants will enhance the quality of life for rural citizens and communities across the country," Johanns said. "Most of these grants will fund projects that address public safety needs in rural areas, such as purchasing first responder vehicles and medical equipment."
Community Facilities grants help finance essential public services in rural areas, such as schools, libraries, child care, hospitals, fire and rescue stations, police stations and community centers. Part of the money is being awarded under the Economic Impact Initiative grants program, which is targeted to rural communities with extreme unemployment and severe economic depression.
For example, in Michigan, the Mason County Rural Fire Authority was awarded $75,000 to purchase six new fire trucks. Russell County, Ky., will receive $50,400 to purchase four police vehicles for the sheriff's department. The city of Shellman, Ga., will use $55,000 to construct an emergency medical facilities building. The town of St. Joseph, La., was awarded $300,357 to build a new city hall and convention center. The Southern Region EMS Council, Inc. in Anchorage, Alaska, will receive $401,656 to purchase emergency medical equipment.
The 291 projects selected for funding are located in: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and the Western Pacific. A complete list of grant recipients is available at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
USDA Rural Development's mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development has invested more than $76.8 billion since 2001 for equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. More than 1.5 million jobs have been created or saved through these investments. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
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