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USDA Rural Development Announces $2.9 Million Investments in Community Infrastructure to Benefit Rural Areas Across Pennsylvania

Name
Ellie Donodeo
Email
heather.donodeo@usda.gov
Phone
717 237 2190
City
Harrisburg
Release Date

This Investment Provides Critical Community Infrastructure for Over 30,000 Residents

(Harrisburg, PA., September 10, 2026) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Pennsylvania State Director Chris Hoffman has announced that Howard Borough, Bucktail, Danville, St. Marys, and Old Lycoming Township will receive a total of nearly $2.9 million for emergency and medical equipment purchases and upgrades, community center and fire station renovations, and shop equipment modernization.

“USDA’s commitment to putting Farmers First means developing the rural communities that our farmers and rural residents rely on,” said State Director Hoffman. “These projects support emergency and medical services equipment purchases and community and educational centers renovations and upgrades that are vital to sustainable and thriving rural areas.”

The investment comes in the form of Community Project funding grants: 

  • Howard Fire Company No. 1, Inc. will use a $98,653 Community Facilities investment to purchase a River Raptor XTR 1860 Rescue Boat with accessories. This equipment will provide modern, reliable rescue equipment and will improve response time to the residents of Howard Borough and the surrounding communities in Centre County.
  • Bucktail Medical Center will receive a $262,470 Community Facilities investment. This investment will fund updates to include new inpatient beds, new radiology equipment and electrical components to support the new equipment that will replace the outdated equipment currently in use. These upgrades will increase patient experience and comfort for the residents in the socioeconomically depressed area of Western Clinton County with a population of about 3,300 people. Bucktail Medical Center is a critical access hospital as the next closest facility is over 40 minutes and does not offer inpatient services.
  • Danville Borough will receive a Community Facilities grant in the amount of $1 million that will be used to complete renovations to improve the Danville Area Community Center facility. Renovations include reconfiguring interior space to provide additional room for childcare services, upgraded fitness areas, community rooms and upgraded restrooms. These greatly needed renovations will enhance the existing services provided by the Community Center and benefit the 4,239 residents.
  • St. Marys Area School District has been approved for $191,117 Community Facilities funding. This project supports the school district’s Machine Tool Technology Course to upgrade shop equipment to modern standards, install a new egress door to facilitate moving larger equipment modern equipment into the shop, and appropriate electrical upgrades for the new equipment. The upgrades will allow students to learn new skills and manufacturing processes that will put them at the forefront of jobseekers upon graduation and benefit almost 18,500 people.
  • Old Lycoming Township Volunteer Fire Company will receive a Community Facilities investment for $1.3 million to renovate and expand their existing fire station. The project includes a 3,700 square foot addition to the existing fire station, which will provide expanded facilities for physical training, living quarters for the volunteer firefighters, upgraded restroom and shower facilities and a new public vestibule. These upgrades will enhance the organization's ability to recruit and retain critical first responders and help continue to provide the essential fire and EMS services to 4,975 residents of Old Lycoming Township and surrounding communities.

USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These investments strengthen critical community infrastructure, enhance quality of life, and help rural towns attract and retain businesses and services. To learn more about these programs, contact 717-237-2199.

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public.

 

Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov, subscribe to GovDelivery updates, and follow us on X at RD_Pennsylvania.

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