Musselfork Township, MO, Nov 16, 2010 -- In a Certificate of Recognition ceremony on November 16, 2010, Steven Gerrish, Area Specialist for USDA Rural Development announced the award of $12,750 to the Musselfork Township. Funds were used to purchase a good used road grader to serve the Musselfork Township, a service area of 390 residents. The assistance consisted of a Community Facilities Grant of $12,750 for the road grader. Additionally, the Musselfork Township provided $72,250 toward the total cost of the road grader.

"I am pleased to hear that the Musselfork Township has been able to purchase a road grader for the Musselfork Township," U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill said. "Thanks to competitive funds awarded by the USDA, this newer road grader will help ensure that the Township’s roads are properly improved and maintained."

Bruce Skinner, Musselfork Township Secretary stated, “Because Musselfork Township has very limited funding, the 15% USDA grant funding enabled us to upgrade to a newer motor grader.  The new unit has less hours, is in better shape & more operator friendly.  Without the grant funding, we would not have been able to purchase new tire chains or retrofit a V-Plow for snow.  This machine will also allow us to maintain the township roads on a more regular base.”

“This is a great partnership effort when everyone works together for funding a newer road grader to help with the maintenance of roads throughout the township,” said Missouri State Director Janie Dunning. “This project mirrors USDA Rural Development’s mission of being committed to the future of rural communities. I want to personally thank everyone that has worked together to make this project a reality. Special thanks are extended to our federal elected officials for making available the federal funds for these kinds of projects.”

Anyone seeking more information about the Community Facility program or any other USDA Rural Development programs may visit the homepage at http://www.rurdev.gov/mo or by contacting the Moberly Office at 2995 County Road 1325, Moberly, MO 65270 or by calling (660) 263-7400 - ext 4.

“USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.” To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).