USDA Rural Development Texas State Director Paco Valentin visited Terrell County today to view an ambulance purchased in 2015 with a USDA Rural Development Community Facility Loan and Grant.
“Rural Texans deserve readily available access to healthcare, but too often local communities lack the capital to invest in providing emergency vehicles needed to deliver that care,” said Valentin. “Providing reliable access to quality first response services saves critical time and the lives of rural residents.”
Terrell County was the recipient of $40,000 in Community Facility Loan and Grant funds provided by USDA Rural Development in 2015. Funding was used to purchase an ambulance. When emergencies arise in the county, patients must be transported to the nearest hospital, located approximately 65 miles away in Fort Stockton. Accidents also occur on US Highway 90, a heavily traveled route for travelers that extends through the county, and transportation is critical for accident victims.
USDA Rural Development Community Programs enhance the quality of life for rural Texans by providing funds to governmental entities, nonprofit organizations and Indian Tribes for essential community facilities and services. Funds may be used for a variety of community projects. Previous funds have been used to enlarge, improve or construct schools, libraries, farmers markets, medical clinics, assisted living centers, public buildings, community centers or fund new and improved water and wastewater facilities. Funds are also available to purchase public safety equipment such as ambulances, firefighting equipment and other required emergency service gear.
For information on this and other USDA Rural Development programs in Texas, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/tx.