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Essex, Tappahannock to Receive $580,000 for Emergency Response, Public Safety Services

Name
Eric Peters
City
Richmond
Release Date

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Virginia Rural Development office today announced it will invest $580,000 for police, fire and emergency medical vehicles and equipment in Essex County and the town of Tappahannock.

“These investments are critical in ensuring health and safety in Essex and Tappahannock,” said Basil Gooden, Ph.D., Virginia State Director, USDA Rural Development. “It’s important to our agency to support such essential community needs across rural Virginia because they have direct impacts on residents’ lives, the economy and the overall quality of life in our commonwealth.”

The investments are provided through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. This program provides affordable funding to purchase, construct or improve essential community facilities in rural areas through low-interest loans, grants or a combination of the two. Funds can also be used to purchase equipment and pay related project expenses.

Examples of essential community facilities include health care facilities, public facilities, public safety services, educational services, utility services and local food systems. Public bodies, community-based non-profit corporations and federally recognized tribes are eligible to apply.

Details about funding announced today are below.

  • Tappahannock-Essex Volunteer Fire Department: Loan - $400,000; Grant – $50,000

    • Funds will be used to purchase a fire truck.

  • Essex County: Loan - $45,500; Grant - $24,500

    • Funds will be used to purchase police vehicles and body cameras.

  • Essex County: Loan - $35,000; Grant - $25,000

    • Funds will be used to purchase an ambulance and equipment for emergency medical services.