U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Dr. Tom Carew today announced 11 grants totaling over $811,000 geared toward helping rural communities across Kentucky.
“Whether big or small, these grants have incredible impact,” said Carew. “Grants like these help rural communities provide essential services to their residents. Under the Biden-Harris administration, Rural Development continues to be a key partner in helping maintain and improve the quality of life for communities across rural Kentucky.”
Partnership Housing will use a $112,000 Community Facilities grant to repair and replace the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems and install LED energy efficient commercial lighting in an office building. This project will allow for continued housing and food assistance for a rural population in Owsley County.
The city of Albany will use a $200,000 Community Facilities grant to purchase a 1,250-gallon tank fire truck for the fire department. This apparatus will help the department provide effective and efficient fire and emergency response for a rural population in Albany and in surrounding Clinton County.
Breathitt County Fiscal Court will use a $33,500 Community Facilities grant to purchase a rescue boat and swift water rescue equipment.
The city of Earlington will use a $200,000 Community Facilities grant to purchase a rescue pumper fire truck along with equipment, including a 24-foot extension ladder, a 12-foot roof ladder, and a 10-foot attic ladder.
Hickman County Fiscal Court will use a $28,000 Community Facilities grant to purchase three tornado sirens for the communities of Oakton, Beulah, and Bealerton. The sirens will provide severe weather warnings for a rural population in Hickman County, which has experienced four tornadoes in the past year.
The city of Lancaster will use a $50,000 Community Facilities grant to purchase two vehicles for the city's law enforcement agency. These vehicles will replace two older, unreliable units and help the department continue providing effective and efficient emergency response and law enforcement for Garrard County.
Martin County Fiscal Court will use a $50,000 Community Facilities grant to purchase new radio equipment for the 911 communications center located in Inez, Kentucky. This equipment will help the county to provide reliable emergency response.
Wayne County Fiscal Court will use a $36,540 Community Facilities grant to purchase a 2022 Chevy Tahoe vehicle and K-9 equipment for the law enforcement department. This vehicle will replace an older, unreliable vehicle.
The city of Columbia will use a $33,900 Community Facilities grant to purchase equipment with current technology for the city's law enforcement vehicles. The equipment will include video equipment, Jotto Desk Face Plate, tablet, keyboard, vehicle dock, thermal printer, and related accessories.
Lee County Fiscal Court will use a $50,000 Community Facilities grant to purchase two 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles, with lights, sirens, and radio equipment, for the law enforcement department.
The city of Jackson will use a $17,400 Community Facilities grant to purchase a 14-foot professional shallow water aluminum boat with a rescue pump jet and gear case to replace an aged aluminum, flat-bottomed boat without a motor. This project will help fire department personnel safely perform water rescues for citizens of Jackson and the surrounding communities in Breathitt County.
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.