MARYSVILLE, OH, July 7, 2025 – USDA Rural Development Administrator for Rural Housing Service George Kelly joined Ohio Rural Development State Director Charles Tassell in visiting Leesburg Township Fire Department on Monday. During the visit they announced a USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Direct loan in the amount of $4 million to the Northwestern Joint Fire District.
Administrator Kelly said, “This taxpayer funded loan is another shining example of the bold actions the Trump Administration and Secretary Rollins are taking to empower rural America. Protecting and preserving the quintessential American way of life continues to be at the forefront of USDA Rural Development’s mission, and I am pleased we could invest in Ohio’s dedicated first responders in this significant way.”
USDA Rural Development Ohio State Director Charles Tassell said, “At Ohio Rural Development, we are honored to partner with our communities and first responders to provide increased service and protection to the Northwestern fire District.”
The Northwestern Joint Fire District serves the Townships of Leesburg, Liberty, Taylor, and York in Union County, Ohio. The $4 million in Rural Development loan funds will be used to construct an expansion to the Leesburg Township Fire Department fire station. This new 6,005 square foot expansion will include a training room to keep staff able, amenities such as barracks to allow late night responses, a radio room to assist in multi-township communication efforts, and office space to assist in the administration of the district. This loan will ensure that the first responders of Northwestern Joint Fire District are both capable and able to provide fire protection services to the 6,392 residents who live in the townships it serves.
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 amenities help increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents. For more information visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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