Today the Department of Agriculture and the City of Cuthbert announced $245,500 funding from Rural Development that will be used to update and increase the City’s fleet of public safety vehicles.
“Replacing the outdated vehicles will help improve public safety and enhance the lives of Cuthbert’s citizens," said Jill Stuckey, USDA Rural Development Georgia State Director. This funding helps ensure the entire city limits will be covered with fire and police protection. The Fire Department also responds to fires within a five mile radius outside the City Limits of Cuthbert, by mutual services agreement with Randolph County.
The $192,500 five year, 2.75 percent loan and $50,000 grant will be used to replace vehicles in the City’s aging public safety vehicle fleet. It will purchase two new fully equipped 2015 Ford Taurus police patrol vehicles for the City’s Police Department and two used freightliner pumper trucks for the Fire Department.
Funding is being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program which provides affordable funding for the purchase, construction or improvements of essential community facilities in rural areas. Priority is given to health care, education and public safety projects. In FY2016 Georgia Rural Development invested $62.2 million in Community Facilities Direct Loans and grants. For more information contact Rural Development at (706) 546-2171.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.