MORGANTOWN, WV May 23, 2022 – Recently, USDA Rural Development State Director for West Virginia, Ryan Thorn, joined Chief Joseph Tanner and other members of the Arnoldsburg Volunteer Fire Department to dedicate their new pumper tanker unit.
USDA awarded $220,000 in grant and $183,000 in loan funding through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program to the Arnoldsburg Volunteer Fire Department, to purchase the new $405,000 2021 Kenworth T880 Pierce Pumper Tanker truck. The new truck will replace their current outdated fire truck, which is nearly 30 years old. This will improve firefighting capabilities for a population of 3,200 and having newer equipment will help ensure safety of firefighters.
“USDA Rural Development is an advocate for, investor in, and partner to rural communities across West Virginia,” said State Director Ryan Thorn, “Our investments strengthen communities by improving basic infrastructure, expanding broadband internet access, growing businesses, or in this case, providing first responders with the vital resources necessary to effectively respond to emergency situations. I’m thrilled we are able to support the Arnoldsburg Volunteer Fire Department and the residents of Calhoun County through this Community Facilities program investment.”
USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Programs include direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These amenities help increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.
Public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized American Indian Tribes can use the funds to construct, expand or improve facilities that provide health care, education, public safety, and public services. Projects include fire and rescue stations, village and town halls, health care clinics, hospitals, adult and child care centers, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, public buildings, schools, libraries, and many other community-based initiatives. Financing may also cover the costs for land acquisition, professional fees, and purchase of equipment. For more information or to apply, please contact Janna Lowery, Community Programs Director, at (304) 284-4886 or janna.lowery@usda.gov.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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