USDA Rural Development State Director Vicki Walker today announced a $22,400 grant to the City of Hines to assist with the purchase of two new police vehicles.
The Hines Police Department has been operating with a fleet of three high-mileage cruisers requiring extensive repairs which, in the last funding cycle, had depleted the city funds set aside for a replacement car.
“Small towns need the same quality of public safety resources and equipment as large cities, but they don’t always have access to the necessary financial tools,” Walker said. “To help close that gap, USDA’s Community Facilities Program offers leverage so rural leaders can make their communities safer.”
The USDA grant, along with$41,708 in other financing, will allow the City to buy two Dodge Chargers outfitted for police use.
By purchasing the two new police cars, the City will avoid further repair costs during the warranty period and provide reliable cars for 10 years or more.
“The investment will help the City of Hines return to a sustainable maintenance and replacement budget for their police vehicles and help prevent another unmanageable surge of repair costs,” Walker said.”
The Community Facilities Program provides loans and grants for essential community facilities in rural areas. In recent years, the program also provided $248,334 in financing to help Harney County Health District purchase specialty equipment for bariatric and digital mammography services.
Walker said that today’s announcement is another reminder of the importance of USDA programs for rural America. 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.