Investments will Benefit Rural Residents in Apache County
PHOENIX, Oct. 20, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Arizona State Director Jack Smith today announced that USDA is investing more than $250,000 in Community Facility Disaster Grants for Apache County District 2 to upgrade equipment for the County’s radio towers to enhance public safety and to also purchase a backhoe that will assist in the rebuilding of roads that are frequently washed out during storms.
“Our rural communities often have very limited assets and funds available to purchase necessary road maintenance equipment,” Smith said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA Rural Development is proud to assist communities affected by natural disasters, especially when it preserves the safety of residents and essential infrastructure.”
The radio equipment upgrades will enhance signal strength for emergency calls and general communication with road crews. The backhoe will be used to provide a variety of services to the residents such as blading, culvert cleaning, and road maintenance and repair when roads are washed out during storms, as many of the roads are unpaved.
District 2 is located on the Navajo Nation and the service area includes the Chapters of Ganado, Steamboat, Klagetoh, Houck, Sawmill, Nazlini, and Jeddito.
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 area. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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