The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Hilda Legg announced today the Trump administration is investing $103,845 across three projects in Martin County, Kentucky.
“Our law enforcement and our roads are two of the most critical pieces of infrastructure in any community, especially when you factor in the opioid scourge,” said Legg. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA Rural Development continues to be a valuable partner in helping rural businesses and communities across the commonwealth.”
Martin County Fiscal Court will use a $25,500 grant to purchase a patrol vehicle in order to support local law enforcement, ensuring the safety of the county’s population of over 11,000.
They will also use $33,215 in grant funds to purchase an emergency response vehicle to help the Emergency Management Service replace an older, unreliable vehicle. Law enforcement and emergency response times in rural areas continue to be a concern, and reliable vehicles help assure the response comes as quickly as possible protecting property and saving lives.
The third project is $45,130 in grant funding to purchase an excavator for the Road Department to help maintain county roads so residents can safely get to work and school buses can safely transport Martin County’s future.
The Department of Agriculture is making these loans and grants through the Community Facilities Program, which offers direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. In fiscal year 2020, Rural Development invested over $44 million in Community Facilities projects across the Commonwealth of Kentucky to help communities not only improve the basic quality of life but assist in the development and sustainability of rural America.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities program funding, from radio equipment to police and fire fighting vehicles. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, and nonprofit organizations.
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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.