Rural Development’s $950 thousand investment will assist rural communities capabilities in first response situations
PROSPECT HILL & CORNWALL, N.C., January 23, 2026 — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for North Carolina Robert Hosford announced USDA funding for firetrucks in Prospect Hill and Cornwall today.
Rural Development invested $957 thousand to Piedmont Electric through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program. Piedmont is using these funds to assist the towns of Prospect Hill and Cornwall replace outdated fire trucks and equipment.
Prospect Hill Volunteer Fire Department is receiving $457 thousand to assist in the purchase of a new rescue truck and Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department is receiving $400 thousand to assist in the purchase of a 1,800-gallon pumper tanker truck.
“Time marches on the same in rural communities as it does everywhere else,” said Hosford. “Our partnership with Piedmont EMC is assisting Prospect Hill and Cornwall have the most up-to-date trucks on scene with to help combat fires and respond to emergency situations when called on.”
These new trucks will respond to motor vehicle accidents, be useful at fire scenes.
The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant programs provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas.
USDA provides grants to local utility organizations which use the funding to establish Revolving Loan Funds. Loans are made from the revolving loan fund to projects that will create or retain rural jobs. When the revolving loan fund is terminated, the grant is repaid to USDA.
USDA Rural Development provides financing to develop essential infrastructure in rural areas. To learn more about USDA Rural Development programs, visit RD.USDA.Gov/NC.
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