Investment to Improve Emergency Response for more than 25,000 Rural Missourians
COLUMBIA, MO, Sept. 21, 2020 – The Trump Administration, along with Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Missouri Jeff Case, today announced that the USDA is investing over $2.3 million to modernize fire department trucks, engines, and equipment in eight rural Missouri communities.
“Rural firefighters, many of whom are volunteers, choose to serve their communities knowing there will be challenges their urban counterparts may not face,” said Trump Administration Official State Director Case. “The last thing they need to worry about is funding for up-to date, modern vehicles and equipment. By partnering with USDA Rural Development, rural firefighters can focus on keeping rural residents safe in times of emergencies. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Missouri in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
USDA Rural Development can finance a variety of emergency response needs in eligible rural communities through several programs. Projects can include constructing essential community facilities, such as fire stations; purchasing existing facilities; and purchasing equipment and vehicles. Today’s announcement includes funding from the Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program, Economic Impact Initiative Grants, and the $150 million in grants included in the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act that President Trump signed into law on June 6, 2019.
Eight rural Missouri communities will benefit from today’s announcement:
- Carrollton Leasing Association, Inc. will use a $16,100 loan and $8,700 grant to purchase a utility vehicle and skid unit that will be leased to the Carrollton Fire Department. The side-by-side utility vehicle and skid unit with a 115-gallon water tank, a pump, a scotty foam system, and an electric rewind booster hose reel will be the first of its kind for the dire department and allow firefighters to provide protection and rescue in remote areas.
- A $45,000 grant will help the City of Bloomfield purchase a fire truck for its fire department. This truck will replace a 1972 model experiencing age related electrical issues and provide firefighters with reliable emergency response equipment.
- The City of Buffalo will use a $375,000 grant to purchase a new pumper truck, replacing its 30-year-old model. This state-of-the-art truck will increase the tools available to assist Buffalo’s emergency personnel.
- A $382,500 grant will help the City of Butler purchase a pumper truck for its fire department, replacing two older aging pumper trucks nearing the end of their useful lives that are costly to maintain. The grant will also be used to purchase two patrol vehicles for the city’s law enforcement personnel.
- The City of Houston will receive a $435,000 grant to purchase a new fire truck. The fire department’s fleet is aging and the cost of maintaining its vehicles is rising. This state-of-the-art truck will increase the tools available to firefighters and can also serve as an onsite rehab station at any emergency.
- A $150,000 grant will be used by the City of Thayer to purchase a new fire truck. The city currently uses a 35-year-old model that is beginning to age. The new, modern truck will improve tank and pump capacity and save the department in repair and maintenance costs.
- The Rocktown Fire Corporation will use a $71,300 loan and $11,200 grant to purchase a heavy-duty truck and skid unit for this rural fire protection district. The vehicle and equipment will assist firefighters when responding to wildland fires, ultimately assisting the fire district in keeping its citizens safe.
- A $132,500 loan and $387,500 grant will be used by the Senath Municipal Improvement Corporation to purchase a pumper truck and other equipment for the City of Senath. A new pumper truck, along with new hoses and a rescue saw, will replace a 1976 model that requires costly repairs and no longer meets the city’s needs. A portion of the funding will also be used to purchase a dump truck, street sweeper, tractors, and lawn mowers to maintain city property.
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.
Contact USDA Rural Development
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/mo, by calling (573) 876-0976, or by emailing RDMissouri@usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development has 25 offices across the state to serve the 2.2 million residents living in rural Missouri. Office locations include a state office in Columbia, along with local offices in Butler, Charleston, Chillicothe, Clinton, Dexter, Eldon, Farmington, Higginsville, Houston, Kennett, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Moberly, Neosho, New London, Poplar Bluff, Richmond, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Troy, and West Plains.
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