Roe delivers federal funding for three volunteer fire departments

                                                                                                               

September 14, 2009 - MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn.—U.S. Rep. Phil Roe and Rural Development Area Director Charles Brooks today announced an investment of $138,700 for three volunteer fire departments in Johnson County. The announcement took place at Danny Herman's Truck Stop during the Johnson County "Bad Axe" Firefighter Parade Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009.

 

"I am pleased these volunteer fire departments will receive this important funding," said Roe. "Providing the best and most up-to-date equipment and facilities for our firefighters and first responders will help them better protect the community.  I want to thank USDA Rural Development and the local leaders for their time and contribution in Johnson County that will provide new economic opportunities and improve the quality of life."

 

Neva Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jim Shull accepted the ceremonial check for a USDA Rural Development grant of $96,700 that supplemented $184,300 that has been raised locally to purchase a higher capacity pumper truck with an on-board 1,000 gallon water tank with a high pressure pump to replace one of the department's older vehicles that is no longer cost-effective to maintain. The new truck will also have a Class A foam system and be outfitted with special equipment for the Rapid Intervention Team.

 

Shady Valley VFD Chief Charles McQueen accepted a ceremonial check for an RD loan of $19,000 and grant of $23,000 that are being used to purchase land and construct a heliport adjacent to the existing facility. Helicopter landings have required the temporary closing of a road to transport severely injured people to the hospital. With a dedicated pad and proper lighting for night flights the new facility will improve the safety and speed of emergency medical evacuations from the valley.

 

Chief Darwin Garver accepted a check for Butler VFD for a $23,000 RD loan and a $27,000 grant to purchase a new emergency rescue vehicle and equipment capable of reaching more remote areas in the mountainous terrain. The 6.4 liter, V-8 tuck carries specialized rescue equipment including a 200 amp alternator, skid plates, blower, window punch and rescue saw.

 

"Ensuring our first responders have the quality vehicles and equipment they need to protect people, businesses and property is key to the economic health and quality of life in rural communities," said Brooks. "Thanks to the support of Congressman Roe, Rural Development has the financial resources to partner with local leaders to improve the lives of the people they serve."

 

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 buildings and first responder facilities. Community facilities programs target rural areas with a population less than 20,000.

 

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership and affordable rental housing, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses, investing more than $435 million through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

 

For more information on Rural Development programs available in Northeast Tennessee contact the Rural Development Area Office in Greeneville at 423-638-4771 ext. 4, toll free at 1-800-342-3149 extension 1490, or visit us online at www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

 

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