ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 30, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Minnesota Brad Finstad today announced that USDA is investing $26,500 for emergency preparedness equipment in the city of Bellechester.
“Modern emergency preparedness equipment is just one of many essential elements to the safety of any community” Finstad said. “Whether it’s replacing an old warning siren or installing a back-up generator, all these things contribute to the economic prosperity of rural America. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is dedicated to assisting rural communities like Bellechester with their long-term commitments to economic prosperity, because when rural America prospers, all of America prospers.”
The city of Bellechester will use an $26,500 Community Facilities Grant to purchase a portable emergency generator and related equipment. The city currently does not own a portable generator for use in emergency situations resulting in loss of power. This project will allow the city to provide an emergency back-up power source such as running lights to clear storm debris from roadways, running emergency pumps for waste disposal ponds and help the county and state with services to ensure continued safety of Bellechester’s 175 residents during severe weather. The portable generator will also provide a back-up power source if the city’s stationary generator fails.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in eligible rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. For more information, interested parties should contact their local area office.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a cornerstone recommendation of the task force.
To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn.
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