Investment to Benefit Nearly 25,000 Rural Missourians in Eight Communities
COLUMBIA, MO, Oct. 6, 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 $612,400 to modernize maintenance and public safety equipment for eight rural northeast Missouri communities.
“Modern maintenance and public safety infrastructure is a cornerstone for rural prosperity,” said Trump Administration Official State Director Case. “USDA Rural Development is partnering with northeast Missouri communities to ensure our rural roads are well maintained and protected so rural citizens, first responders, and ag commodities can move safely and efficiently ensuring our rural economies thrive. 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.”
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.
- The city of Clarence will use a $105,000 grant to replace two aging utility trucks at the end of their useful lives and purchase a mini excavator, which the city does not currently own. The equipment will be used to better maintain city roads and property. The city was also awarded an additional $40,200 in grant funds to purchase a fully equipped law enforcement patrol vehicle, replacing an aging vehicle with high mileage.
- The city of Edina received a $74,000 grant to purchase a four-wheel drive backhoe loader; the city’s 1994 model is no longer economically feasible to maintain. City personnel will use the backhoe to maintain and repair streets and water lines and complete other maintenance projects.
- The city of Hannibal will use a $115,500 grant to better maintain city streets for its residents by replacing aging maintenance equipment. A new street sweeper will be used to maintain streets and a front-end loader will assist city personnel with various projects including moving and loading salt for winter months.
- The city of Lancaster received an $18,400 grant to replace an aging, unreliable law enforcement patrol vehicle with a newer model. The purchase will aid law enforcement personnel in providing reliable, efficient public safety services for this small rural town.
- The city of Perry will use a $55,000 grant to purchase a dump truck, replacing a 27-year-old model that is experiencing frequent mechanical and safety issues. City personnel will use the truck for street and maintenance repairs throughout town.
- The city of Queen City will use $180,700 in grant funds to replace an aging utility truck with a newer model including a dump bed, snowplow attachment, and grapple bucket attachment. The city will also purchase a backhoe, which it currently does not own, with an angle sweeper attachment. Purchasing this equipment will assist city personnel to prepare streets for upcoming paving projects, address maintenance issues more efficiently, and ultimately allow Queen City to better deliver these essential community services.
- The city of Shelbina was awarded a $23,500 grant to purchase a fully equipped law enforcement patrol vehicle that will be used as the city’s main patrol unit. Shelbina’s fleet of three high-mileage vehicles is beginning to need costly repairs that are not economically feasible. This vehicle will allow city law enforcement personnel in providing reliable public safety services for Shelbina citizens and assisting with Missouri Highway Patrol calls along Highway 36 as needed.
- The Industrial Development Authority of Paris, Missouri will use a $26,000 loan and $14,300 grant to purchase a 4x4 utility vehicle that will be leased to and used by the city of Paris. The truck, replacing an older model in need of expensive repairs, will be used by city personnel to facilitate water and sewer line repairs, street repairs, and for a variety of other uses and will be an asset to the community.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in eligible rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. Grant applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are exhausted.
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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