Rural Development Provides Community Facilities Grants to Police and Fire Departments

Officials with USDA Rural Development are in Hart County today to highlight several community facilities projects to benefit police and firefighters.
Thomas G. Fern, State Director for USDA Rural Development, said the agency provided the Hart County Fiscal Court with $48,000 grant through its Community Facilities direct loan and grant program to assist with the purchase of five new vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department.
USDA also provided the city of Horse Cave a $48,000 grant to be used to purchase a new truck for the Horse Cave Volunteer Fire Department. The new vehicle is four-wheel drive capable and will improve access to rugged terrain that would otherwise be inaccessible.
“The Community Facilities Program helps rural communities like Hart County and Horse Cave upgrade public safety equipment and improve security while at the same time providing the services needed to attract business and create economic opportunities,” said Fern.
The county purchased four new Dodge Ram 1500 crew trucks and a Chevy Tahoe four-wheel drive vehicle – all of which were needed to replace high-mileage vehicles with expensive maintenance costs. The total cost for the project was $139,743 and included the fiscal court’s contribution of $91,743.
Hart County is part of USDA’s StrikeForce for Rural Growth and Opportunity Initiative which addresses the unique set of challenges faced by many of America’s rural communities. Through StrikeForce, USDA is leveraging resources and collaborating with over 400 community organizations, businesses, foundations, universities and other groups to support 80,300 projects with more than $9.7 billion in USDA investments into rural America. StrikeForce currently serves Kentucky and 19 other states.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. 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.
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.