MONTGOMERY, Ala., October 21, 2020 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Alabama State Director Chris Beeker announced today the Trump Administration is investing $436,600 across four projects to improve community facilities and provide essential services in Jackson County, Lawrence County and Limestone County, Alabama.
“It is gratifying to be able to provide much-needed financial assistance to our first responders and small towns because it ensures essential services to the local rural communities,” said State Director Beeker. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Purdue, USDA Rural Development continues to be a valuable partner in helping rural Alabama communities thrive,”
Background:
USDA is investing in four project in Alabama through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. Investments can be used to build or upgrade a wide range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities. Investments in Alabama include:
- In Jackson County, the town of Section will use a $36,600 Community Facilities Direct grant to construct ADA Accessible parking spaces and ramps at the Section Sports Complex. The facility has gravel parking and no sidewalks or rails and has uneven footing. The upgrades will allow disabled, special needs, and elderly individuals to easily and safely access the park and seating area.
- The Skyline Volunteer Fire Department in Scottsboro located in Jackson County will use a $172,00 Community Facilities (CF) Direct loan and a $27,300 Community Facilities Disaster grant to purchase a new fire truck and fire extinguishing equipment. The new truck will replace one that is over 30 years old. The fire truck and associated equipment will enhance the volunteer fire departments ability to provide public safety as a first responder and will increase efficient response times to better serve the rural residents.
- In Lawrence County, the town of Town Creek will use a $120,000 Community Facilities Direct grant to purchase a sanitation truck and new trash cans that will be used to start a new sanitation department in the town. The town currently pays an outside vendor for sanitation services. This project will allow the town to provide sanitation services to the residents and eventually save tax dollars by not having to pay the outside vendor for these same services. It will also provide job opportunities in the rural area.
- In Limestone County, the East Limestone Volunteer Fire Department will use a $80,000 Community Facilities Direct loan to purchase 25 new turnout gear and equipment for the East Limestone VFD in Athens, Alabama. Their turnout gear and equipment are old and close to the expiration date, creating a safety issue for first responders. The purchase will help keep first responders safe and better equipped while serving this rural community.
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 rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.
Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB), a detailed overview of the application process.
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.
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