USDA Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer today announced funding for the purchase of new fire equipment in the city of Renville, Minn.
“Providing critical infrastructure for public safety facilities is vital for community,” said Landkamer. “USDA Rural Development invests in these types of projects to ensure the health and safety of our rural communities.”
The Renville City Volunteer Fire Department consists of approximately 30 volunteers who serve over 2,100 local community members and several large commercial operations across Renville and parts of the following six townships: Erickson, Flora, Emmett, Crooks, Sacred Heart, and Swedes Forest.
The Fire Department currently shares 10 self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBAs) and 20 oxygen tanks that are rotated on fire calls between the 30 volunteers. SCBAs are worn by rescue workers and firefighters to provide breathable air in low oxygen or toxic atmospheres and essential to the safety of these workers. Three of the ten SCBAs are no longer working correctly, which puts the entire team at risk in situations where there are multiple calls occurring simultaneously. 10 of the oxygen tanks are 22 years old and can no longer be tested or certified, while the other 10 tanks are nearing the end of their useful life after only 12 years.
Today’s funding will go towards the purchase of 25 new SCBAs and corresponding equipment in addition to replacing the current home-made fill station.
USDA funding comes in the form of a $75,000 direct loan and $16,000 grant through Rural Development’s Community Facilities program. Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested over $431 million in loans and grants to build or improve over 350 essential community facilities throughout rural Minnesota.
Rural Development also invests in housing, water and wastewater treatment, businesses, renewable energy and high-speed Internet. To learn more about Rural Development programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn, or call the area office in Willmar, Minn. at (320) 235-3540, ext. 4.