USDA Rural Development State Director Elsie Meeks announced the selection of two recipients for grants to help spur economic development in South Dakota.
“USDA works in partnership with cooperatives and utilities to provide access to capital that will allow them to invest in projects that will assist with economic growth,” said Meeks. In this instance, the projects announced today will serve the community and surrounding areas. The new fire halls being built in the respective communities will afford fire fighters with a top functioning facility and provide them with greater safety features in the event of an emergency.”
USDA Rural Development is providing assistance through the Rural Economic Development Grant program to local utilities that they, in turn, pass through to local businesses for projects to create and retain employment in rural areas. For more information about the program, please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/BCP_redlg.html.
• Armour, SD, The Douglas Electric Cooperative, Inc. has been selected to receive a $250,000 grant to construct a new fire hall for the Delmont Fire Protection District.
• Marion, SD, the Southeastern Electric Cooperative, Inc. has been selected to receive a $300,000 grant to re-lend to the Parkston Rural Fire Protection District to help fund a new fire hall in Parkston, SD.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.