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NEWS RELEASE 1303
SW First American Place, Suite 100, Topeka,
KS 66604-4040 |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 4, 2005
Contact - Harold Alford (785) 271-2701
Shawnee County Rural
Fire District #4
Breaks Ground for New Fire
Station
TOPEKA, KS – USDA Rural Development State Director Chuck Banks joined board members of the Shawnee County Rural Fire District #4 today for groundbreaking ceremonies of the District’s new fire station to be located along I-70 west of Topeka. USDA Rural Development is providing a $560,000 Community Facility Program loan through the Agency’s First Responder Initiative to finance the new fire station, which will directly serve nearly 2,000 rural Shawnee County residents.
“USDA Rural Development’s numerous community and economic development programs are a major investment in improving the lives and security of our citizens, and is part of the Bush Administration’s ongoing investment to support our rural communities. Additionally, enhancing citizens’ ability to better prepare for emergency situations is a top priority of the Agency and the Administration, especially in a post ‘9-11 world’. USDA Rural Development is committed to serving Kansas , and this facility and equipment will assist the Shawnee County RFD #4 in meeting the needs of the citizens it serves”, commented State Director Banks.
Bill Ossmann, Fire Chief of RFD #4, remarked during the ceremony. “The District is looking forward to the completion of this new fire station. In addition to serving this area of the County, we can provide assistance to other parts of rural Shawnee County and eastern Wabaunsee County. The District greatly appreciates the opportunity to work with USDA Rural Development on this important project”.
Shawnee County RFD #4 will construct a 90’ x 60’ fire station capable of housing six emergency vehicles. The facility will also include office space and storage area. Two new tanker trucks and a rescue/hazardous material response vehicle will also be purchased. Shawnee County RFD #4 was approved for the USDA Rural Development loan as part of the Agency’s First Responder Initiative, an effort spearheaded by President Bush to support rural emergency responder efforts by financing needed equipment, facilities and services. 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.
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 USDA Rural Development programs, individuals may call 785-271-2702 or log onto the state’s Agency’s website at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks
USDA Rural Development – Committed to the future of rural communities.
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