NEWS
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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) 857-3582
USDA RETURNS MORE THAN $3.5 MILLION TO ALLEGANY COUNTY
Cumberland, Md., Oct. 29, 2009 – Today, at the Allegany County Commissioners meeting, USDA Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton highlighted more than $3.5 million to support infrastructure improvements, education and public safety that will benefit residents across the County. Ten projects in all are being funded, with the bulk of the projects receiving funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act).
“The $3.5 million provided by USDA Rural Development will help modernize our rural infrastructure, expand high-quality educational opportunities and protect those in greatest need,” said Tarburton. “The federal funds are leveraged with more than $2.6 million in state and local funds to help provide a boost to our rural economy by creating or saving jobs and make Western Maryland an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”
The federal assistance represents more than $3.3 million in grant funds and $124,000 in loan funds. The projects are:
Allegany County Commissioners –
Recovery Act Funding:
- $624,000 loan and $1,267,000 grant for the Bowman’s Addition Phase II Water Project.
- $50,000 grant for a portable closed circuit television equipment that is used for inspection of sewer lines with difficult access.
Regular Funding:
- $99,000 grant to help with sanitary sewer evaluation studies for:
1) Consol
2) Rawlings
3) Echkhart
4) Grahamtown
Allegany College of Maryland (Recovery Act Funding)
- $70,000 grant for the establishment of a HVAC Apprenticeship Training Program.
Town of Luke (Recovery Act Funding)
- $29,452 grant for the purchase of a dump truck and snow plow.
Town of Lonaconing –
Recovery Act Funding:
- $683,000 loan and $666,480 grant for the Barton water line.
Regular Funding:
- $25,000 grant to perform an engineering study on the Koontz Run Dam.
USDA and other federal officials had an opportunity to see first hand the new portable camera equipment and to hear an overview of how the equipment is being used by the County in locating problem areas in sewer lines and reducing inflow and infiltration.
Allegany County Commissioner Jim Stakem praised the USDA and other federal officials for their continued support. In the past 15 years, Allegany County Commissioners have received, including the funding highlighted today, nearly $29 million in low-interest loans and grants to improve aging infrastructure.
“USDA – Rural Development has been a phenomenal friend to Allegany County,” said Commissioner Jim Stakem. “Over the years, USDA has faithfully assisted us with financing numerous infrastructure projects that have improved the quality of life for our rural residents. Allegany County truly values USDA’s professional and sincere staff. We are extraordinarily grateful to them and look forward to future projects with USDA Rural Development.”
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. In fiscal year 2009, the agency provided more than $397 million to rural Maryland and approximately 50 percent of that funding was a result of the Recovery Act. 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.
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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).