$70,000 to improve emergency services in Sequatchie County

 

March 20, 2009 - DUNLAP, Tenn.—USDA Rural Development Area Director Rickey Hickman and Sequatchie County Mayor Michael Hudson today joined South End Volunteer Fire Chief Dennis Cooley to announce a federal loan and grant totaling $70,000 to purchase a new fire truck and emergency equipment for South End Volunteer Fire Department. The announcement was made at the South End Volunteer Fire House on Daus Community Center Road.

 

"Up to date rescue equipment is vital to the success of our first responder’s mission to save lives and property," said Hickman. "Thanks to support from our Tennessee Congressional delegation, Rural Development has the financial resources that Chief Cooley and his crew need to respond to emergencies with the safest, most reliable equipment possible."

 

A Rural Development loan of $38,500 and grant of $24,500 will fund the purchase. The new Ford 550

1½ ton 4X4 truck includes a custom built water tank, pump and compartments for equipment and medical supplies. The new vehicle will provide more reliable and safer transportation than the 1979 pickup truck it replaces. South End Volunteer Firefighters serve homes, schools and businesses in the southern part of Sequatchie County.

 

"We appreciate the staff at Rural Development for helping us meet the need for a better vehicle and equipment," said Cooley. "The grant and terms of the federal loan made it possible for us to make this much needed upgrade to our ability to protect our friends and neighbors."

 

Rural Development’s community facilities program uses direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to provide rural areas with the financial resources to construct or improve essential services like healthcare, education, civic facilities, and first responder protection. The loan-guarantee program encourages private lenders to expand their investment of capital in rural communities. Community facilities programs target rural areas with a population less than 20,000.

 

Others participating in the event included, Assistant Fire Chief Ken Herron, VFD Secretary Nancy Herron, Roger Bice and Keith McClure of VFD, and Rural Development staff David Collett.

 

Committed to the future of rural communities in Tennessee, USDA Rural Development invests financial and technical assistance through housing, community and business development programs.  In Fiscal Year 2008 Rural Development assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $435 million in financial assistance through loans, loan guarantees and grants.

 

For more information on Rural Development programs available in Sequatchie County contact the Area Office in Chattanooga at 423-756-2239, toll free at (800) 342-3149 ext. 1492, or online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

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