USDA Rural Development joined the South Sioux City Community Foundation, Inc. and South Sioux City residents today at a ground breaking for the nearly $2.6 million loan to construct a new fire station in South Sioux City. The 12,225 square foot fire station will serve 13,350 rural residents and will encompass four standard drive through bays, wash bays, office space and sleeping areas.
“The citizens of South Sioux City have been well served by our dedicated firemen and firewomen,” said Mayor Rod Koch. “This new station exemplifies our commitment to seeing this tradition continue; ensuring the safety of our community. Our citizens spoke when they approved a public safety sales tax to see this project to fruition.”
“USDA Rural Development is pleased to be a part of this project for South Sioux City. Having emergency services is critical for rural areas and the need to reduce response time is essential for the residents of South Sioux City and the surrounding rural areas,” said Community Programs Director Denise Meeks, USDA Rural Development.
“The South Sioux City Foundation is excited to be able to be the conduit for this important safety initiative for our community. The new state of the art fire station will benefit our community for decades to come. This USDA loan provides the necessary funding and orderly amortization of the indebtedness for this important community betterment project,” said President Bart Gotch, South Sioux City Foundation.
“As we enter into our 101st year of operation, the South Sioux City Fire/Rescue Department is elated to see this project finally become a reality,” said Fire Chief Toby English. “This new facility will allow us to continue to provide outstanding service to the community and grow with it well into our next 100 years.”
USDA funding for this project was awarded through its Community Facility Direct Loan Program. For more information on the program, contact Luann Brown at 402-437-5571 or at luann.brown@ne.usda.gov.
Visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program/ne.
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. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.