USDA Rural Development Acting Area Director Leann Gleason today announced Community Facilities funding in the amount of a $150,000 loan and a $25,000 grant to the Memphis Community Betterment Organization. The funds were used to purchase a new garbage truck so the city could better serve the citizens of the community.
“Rural communities don’t always have the resources to have extensive garbage collection services. The city of Memphis had just one garbage truck and the trips to the landfills took hours roundtrip, causing some wear and tear on the truck they had,” said Gleason. “With the purchase of a second truck, it’s now more feasible for the city to continue along with their pick-up territories. Rural Development is proud to be a partner in assisting Memphis continue to serve the community.”
The City of Memphis handles their own trash service and they have to haul the solid waste to a landfill which is over 180 miles per trip. The additional truck will relieve some of the use of existing truck plus allow the city to take on additional customers in surrounding areas.
The Memphis Community Betterment Organization was formed August 10, 2015 for the purpose of community improvements. The organization has an interlocking board with the Memphis mayor and aldermen.
The CF Loan and Grant program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. These facilities are dedicated to providing service to the local community for orderly development. Further information on additional programs is available by visiting the USDA Missouri Rural Development website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/mo. Interested parties may also contact the Kirksville Area Office at (660) 665-3274, Ext 4.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $216 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.