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 1303 SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka, KS  66604-4040
 Voice (785) 271-2701,  FAX (785) 271-2708,  WEB www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

 





FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 26, 2004
Contact - Harold Alford  (785) 271-2701

 

RURAL EMERGENCY RESPONDERS FUNDING AVAILABLE THROUGH USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT

 

TOPEKA, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks took the opportunity today to remind rural Kansas communities and local leaders that $100 million is committed for USDA’s new First Responder Initiative to support rural emergency responder efforts by financing needed equipment and services. USDA Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced the priority funding opportunity earlier this month.

“The Bush Administration is strongly committed to assisting rural communities prepare for emergencies and encouraging the delivery of critically needed lifesaving services to rural America,” Banks remarked. “USDA Rural Development has already provided funding for first responder needs in Kansas, and this new initiative is a major investment in the lives and security of our citizens and is part of the Agency’s ongoing commitment to the future of rural communities and their ability to better prepare for emergency situations.”
The following types of projects emphasized through USDA Rural Development’s
First Responder Initiative include:

Fire Protection Equipment                         Police Station
Fire Station                                                  Police Car
Fire Trucks                                                   Civil Defense Building
Rescue and Ambulance Service               Equipment Building
Emergency Response Training                 Hospital
Physicians Clinic                                         Outpatient Care Facilities
Early Storm Warning System                     Office Building (Health Care)
County Health Department Office              Migrant Health Centers
Food Preparation Distribution Center       Communications Center
Animal Shelter – Veterinarians                  Mobil Communications Center
Education Facilities for Emergency

USDA Rural Development’s First Responder Initiative will provide a minimum of one dollar of every five dollars of Fiscal Year 2004 community facility funding available to rural America. The Agency’s overall Community Facility Program provides financing for a variety of projects, including courthouses, fire and rescue facilities and equipment, police and emergency vehicles and services, libraries, and other community focused facilities and services.

During the Bush Administration over $1.5 billion has been invested by USDA Rural Development to address essential community needs that assist with public safety, education, health care, cultural, transportation, and other public needs.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, the Agency provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America.

For additional information regarding all USDA Rural Development programs, contact the Agency at 785-271-2701 or visit the Agency’s Kansas website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks

USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities.

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