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USDA Investments Being Made in Public Safety

Name
Kathy Beisner
City
Smyrna
Release Date

   Smyrna, Del., August 5, 2014 – USDA Rural Development State Director Dr. Bill McGowan and U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del) today joined officials from the Town of Smyrna and federal, state and county representatives to kick-off the expansion of the new Smyrna police station that is being built adjacent to their current headquarters at 345 W. Glenwood Avenue.

    “USDA’s footprint can be found all over this town,” said Dr. McGowan.  “From essential infrastructure projects that involve extending water to the north side of Duck Creek that will help boost the local economy, to education projects such as Telamon’s new head start facility to be constructed just South of Town, to recently renovated rental housing complexes like Heron Run on Commerce Street, we are here today in the heart of Smyrna’s community to highlight public safety.  Helping to ensure that rural America remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family is part of what we are called to do at USDA Rural Development.  Through the assistance of Rural Development’s programs, emergency and other vital services are being enhanced for more communities.”

      USDA Rural Development is supporting the expansion of the police station through the Community Facility Direct Loan Program.  The Town of Smyrna was approved to receive $4.9 million dollars with loan terms set at 40 years, 3.5 percent interest.  The town’s Special Investigations Unit is currently working from the Public Works Building and this new facility will allow for all of the officers to come together under one roof, providing for more holding cells, works space, a secure evidence room, lockers, and tactical training room.  When completed the overall square footage of the police headquarters will be approximately 26,000 square feet.  Construction is expected to be completed next summer.

    Last year, USDA Rural Development returned $196 million to rural Delaware.  It has more than 40 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs.  The 2014 Farm Bill brings renewed support for community economic development, including financing for investments in broadband, telecommunications, distance learning and telemedicine, entrepreneurship, and business development and growth.

   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.