U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced over $68,000 in grants that will help two rural Kentucky communities improve essential services.
The agency is awarding these grants through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program.
“Living in a rural community should not mean you have to live with sub-par services,” said Carew. “These investments show the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to helping communities in rural Kentucky thrive. Thanks to the leadership of Secretary Vilsack, our Community Facilities Program has helped communities across the commonwealth improve the quality of life for all those who call them home.”
The Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department will use a $33,850 grant to replace an inoperative command and rescue vehicle that was used to assist flood victims in Breathitt County, Kentucky.
Lee County Fiscal Court will use a $34,200 grant to purchase a utility vehicle to assist the county jailer in day-to-day operations.
Background - Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. So far this year, Rural Development has invested approximately $9.8 million across the commonwealth through this program.
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.