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United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development
1221 College Park Drive, Suite 200, Dover, DE 19904
Phone: (302) 857-3580 • Fax: (302) 857-3640 • TDD: (302) 857-3585 • Web: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov
Contact:
Kathy Beisner (302) 943-3818 or (302) 857-3582
USDA RETURNS MORE THAN $39.6 MILLION TO ALLEGANY COUNTY
Frostburg, Md., Oct. 19, 2010 – Safety is always a concern at our homes and today, Congressman Roscoe Bartlett and USDA Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton toured Allegany County in recognition of National Fire Prevention Month to highlight public water and fire protection projects that have received funding from USDA.
Congressman Bartlett said, “Our firefighters and fire departments here in mountain Maryland are almost all volunteers. Federal government mandates for water quality and environmental protection impose additional and greater financial burdens to ensure safe drinking water for families in our rural communities in western Maryland. That is why I am grateful that 71 percent of the USDA water system projects in Maryland during 2010 are located right here in Allegany County. I am grateful for the strong partnership I’ve developed with USDA so it is a real pleasure to welcome USDA Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton during a review of these projects in Frostburg, Clarysville and Lonaconing.”
In fiscal year 2010, (that ended September 30) USDA Rural Development provided assistance for seven water system projects that support communities across rural Maryland. Five of the seven water projects were located in Allegany County; representing a return of $20.5 million in taxpayer funds coming back home to support clean, safe drinking water and fire protection.
Their first stop in Allegany County was at Frostburg City Hall where officials presented a ceremonial check in the amount of $922,510. The loan will help upgrade their water transmission lines providing for increased water capacity and an extension of service to residents outside of the City that have a poor supply of water. The USDA funding represents 55% of the total costs of the project. The State of Maryland and the Appalachian Regional Commission are providing the balance of funds.
“Without sufficient infrastructure, rural communities struggle to maintain basic services and an appropriate quality of life for rural residents,” said Tarburton. “Rural communities often face serious drinking water issues and limited resources for first responder services. Many may not realize that nearly all federal funding dedicated to rural water and wastewater and rural community services come through USDA Rural Development.”
Their next stop was at Clarysville Volunteer Fire Company to see a new F350 fire truck equipped with emergency lighting and firefighting equipment. USDA provided $35,700 in grant funds that will enable the fire company to provide reliable and safe wildfire protection to the residents within the Braddock Headwaters Planning Region. The USDA grant represents 75% of the cost of the vehicle.
While in Clarysville, Allegany County Government officials announced the completion of the Clarysville water extension project. The project also received support from USDA Rural Development that provided both drinking water and fire protection to approximately 40 homes. Six new fire hydrants were installed in the area. “USDA Rural Development has certainly helped Allegany County address the challenges and resolve the problems unique to rural counties. Allegany County is grateful for this exceptional, long-standing partnership with USDA Rural Development,” stated Paul F. Kahl P.E., Allegany County’s Director of the Department of Public Works
In fiscal year 2010, USDA Rural Development provided $11.3 million in funding to the Allegany County Commissioners for water and sewer projects:
- Bedford Road (sewer system improvements) $473,000 loan and $272,030 grant.
- Cresaptown (water system improvements) $1,500,400 loan.
- Mt. Savage / Jennings Run (water and sewer system improvements) $4,260,000 loan and $4,794,000 grant.
- Rawlings (water system study) $25,000 grant.
Their last stop was at the Town of Lonaconing to recognize $9,022,000. This is a combination loan ($6,699,000) and grant ($2,323,000) for two water storage tanks, security fencing, monitoring equipment, meters and generators in the Midland and Koontz Run area. The upgrade to their water system will increase water storage and fire protection for approximately 1,750 homes. The USDA funding represents 84% of the total costs of the project. The State of Maryland is providing the balance of funds.
USDA offers low-interest rates and the loan terms for the water and sewer projects listed above are for 40 years at 2.50% interest.
Altogether, according to USDA $39,644,602 was invested in Allegany County during fiscal year 2010 that has supported home ownership, home repair, rental housing, water and sewer infrastructure, community facilities and economic development projects.
Congressman Bartlett added, “I vote against spending taxpayers can’t afford. Once the President and the Congress approve spending, taxpayers have to pay the bill. USDA Rural Development has an outstanding record of providing federal funds to support and strengthen the quality of life in western Maryland’s rural communities where there is more area to cover and fewer people to pay the cost of complying with regulations and improving infrastructure.”
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. In fiscal year 2010, the agency returned nearly $400 million to rural Maryland. USDA Rural Development funds more than 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, community facilities such as libraries, schools and day care centers, and energy-related projects. Additional information on rural programs is available by calling the area office in Hagerstown at (301) 797-0500 ext. 5 or by visiting www.rurdev.usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).