Health Clinics, Emergency Equipment and Public Safety Facilities Will Benefit Over 40,000 Iowans
DES MOINES, Oct. 30, 2020 – The Trump Administration, along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Iowa Grant Menke, today announced that the USDA is investing $747,700 in 22 projects to improve essential community facilities in rural Iowa. These projects, funded through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program and Community Facilities Disaster Grant Program, will benefit 40,788 rural residents in Iowa.
“Investing in essential community facilities is a key component of improving quality of life in rural Iowa, and that’s why these 22 projects are so noteworthy,” said Menke. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
The following 22 project investments announced today will be utilized to upgrade a health care facility and library, to assist in purchasing emergency equipment and vehicles, and to make necessary street and sidewalk improvements:
· The City of Albia will use a $101,100 grant to purchase a truck dump box, slide-in stainless steel sander, reversible plow, and related equipment to be installed on an existing chassis to be used for maintenance of city streets, street cleaning, snow removal and treatment for ice and snow. This equipment will replace worn out equipment and save repair costs and maintenance issues. The grant will also allow the city to purchase SCBA breathing equipment and other related equipment to be used by the City of Albia's Fire Department. This will replace the Fire Department's old and outdated equipment, making it compliant with current NFPA standards. This will help improve the quality of life for rural residents.
· The City of Creston will use a $41,400 grant to purchase a MILO Range Mobile Situational Awareness Training System (M-SATS) mobile firearms and force options simulator. The unit will provide officers with training situations, save time and travel resources, and better equip the officers in real life situations. The grant will also allow the city to purchase a new patrol vehicle. Updated vehicles will help the police department safely serve the community.
· In Audubon, The Friendship Home Association will use a $50,000 grant to make improvements to the two elevators located in the three-level facility. Updates will bring the facility into compliance with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Rules of Participation.
· The City of New Market is receiving a $24,000 grant to purchase an electronic sign for the community. The sign will be used to get important information out to the city such as boil orders or COVID-19 crisis information that will help enhance the safety and awareness of the community.
· The City of Moulton will use a $7,700 grant to purchase new SCBA face masks, monitor and other related equipment which is needed to replace the fire department's old and outdated equipment. The equipment will be used by the Moulton Fire Department and will help improve the quality of life for rural residents.
· The City of Hastings is receiving a $30,000 grant to purchase a 12-lead cardiac monitor with defibrillation capabilities. Current equipment has become unreliable. The rescue department provides paramedic level care for the city and surrounding areas. This will improve the efficiency and safety of the rescue department and the community members they serve.
· The City of Belle Plaine will use a $31,400 grant to purchase laptop computers, computer related equipment, and other equipment to help the department be more efficient. The equipment will be used to issue citations, reports, and complete accident reports on the scene. The grant will also allow the city to purchase a new law enforcement patrol vehicle for the city. The car will be used to protect the community along with responding to public safety and emergency calls.
· The City of Otho is receiving a $16,800 grant to purchase a generator for the city’s fire station. The fire station serves as the designated shelter for the community in the event of an emergency. The station currently runs on 100% electricity and has no backup generator.
· The City of Farragut will use a $53,900 loan and a $24,100 grant to purchase a tractor and loader for the community. It will be used to help maintain the streets and for snow removal.
· The City of Seymour is receiving a $27,000 grant to purchase a patrol vehicle for the city of Seymour Law Enforcement Department. This project will help to replace a high-mileage vehicle with mechanical issues that are costly to repair. This vehicle will allow the city to continue providing efficient public safety services for the city's residents.
· The City of Boyden will use a $3,300 grant to purchase and install a warning siren. The existing siren is obsolete and cannot reach all local areas during severe weather situations, hindering the safety of the residents.
· The City of Bedford is receiving a $50,000 grant to replace several streets and sidewalks in the community. These streets are dilapidated and in need of repairs which will increase the safety and security of the residents of the city.
· The Keokuk Public Library Foundation will use a $109,000 grant to purchase lighting, tables, chairs, screen and equipment for the library park. The new park will have a reading and sculpture garden, plaza, open air amphitheater, and conservation areas.
· The City of Russell is receiving a $40,900 grant to purchase a new skid loader and related equipment to be used for maintenance of the city streets and other general maintenance around the town. This will help improve the quality of life for rural residents.
· Sac City will use a $23,900 grant to purchase a law enforcement patrol vehicle and emergency services equipment. This investment will replace an aging vehicle and equipment that are becoming costly to maintain and hinder the efficiency of law enforcement officers and safety of the community.
· The City of Irwin will use a $50,000 grant to make necessary street and sidewalk improvements, furthermore, making them ADA compliant by adding designated parking spaces and required curb ramps for access to the sidewalks. This will help improve the safety and quality of life for rural residents.
· The City of Soldier is receiving a $13,200 grant to purchase maintenance equipment for the city of Soldier. The equipment will replace old and outdated equipment and will be used to help maintain city streets and property, improving quality of life for the city's residents.
· The City of Corning will use a $50,000 grant to purchase a street sweeper for the city. The existing sweeper was purchased in 1994 and is beyond useful life. The new vehicle will help the city continue to provide necessary maintenance for the local residents.
Background:
USDA is investing in 22 projects in rural Iowa through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program and Community Facilities Disaster Grant Program. These programs provide affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a rural area, and does not include private, commercial, or business undertakings.
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 local USDA Rural Development Iowa Office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. The Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants also provides a detailed overview of the application process.
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million residents living in rural Iowa. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with local offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly. These offices help to 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/ia or call (515) 284-4663. Follow us on Twitter @RD_Iowa.
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