Lexington, KY, Oct 14, 2011 -- Officials with USDA Rural Development are visiting Mt. Olivet today to dedicate a new vehicle for the city’s police department

State Director Tom Fern said the city purchased a 2011 Dodge Charger pursuit police vehicle using a Rural Development Community Facilities grant in the amount of $25,500, as well as an applicant contribution of $8,500.

“USDA’s Community Facilities Program helps rural communities like Mt. Olivet upgrade its public safety equipment to improve security while at the same time providing the services needed to attract business and create economic opportunities,” said Fern. “Projects such as this not only provide needed infrastructure in rural communities and they contribute to the Obama Administration’s continued efforts to improve vital community services. They are helping restore the American economy while improving the quality of life in towns and small cities throughout the state.”

The city needed the new vehicle so the police department could provide effective and efficient emergency and protection services for the nearly 300 rural residents in Mt. Olivet and surrounding areas in rural Robertson County.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of 6,100 employees located in the nation's capital and nearly 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $142 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

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