NEWS RELEASE

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

Rural fire department receives USDA funds

East New Market, MD April 8, 2010 –  USDA Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton visited the site of the new East New Market Volunteer Fire Company to see the construction in progress and to announce $1 million in federal support for the project.

“Standing here, I realize that this is America at its best,” said Tarburton.  “Volunteers protecting their neighbors with donations from the local community and support from the federal government.   This is a return of your federal taxpayer dollars that we can all be proud of.” 

USDA Rural Development is supporting the East New Market Volunteer Fire Company through their Community Facility program.  The program is designed to help provide essential facilities and services to rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.  Tarburton added, “Community fire and ambulance companies play a critical role in keeping us safe.  We have the unique opportunity of ensuring that our firemen and women have the facilities and equipment to do their job.”

 

Having an adequate fire station to house firefighting equipment, or host dinners and other fundraising events is critical to the operations of the fire company and represents a major source of income.  The current fire station located at 101 Main Street in East New Market, was at one time a retail store and is not large enough to house the fire vehicles and equipment.

The total cost of the new 14,000 square foot station is $1,075,000; the fire company is contributing $75,000 towards the project and the USDA $1 million dollar low-interest loan is for 40 years at 4.375% interest. 

“The members of the East New Market Volunteer Fire Department are incredibly excited about the construction of the new facility,” said Adam Tolley, President of the Fire Department.  “This project has been in the development and planning phase for approximately seven years and is finally coming to fruition.  The new building will be a great asset to the members of the town as well as the residents of Dorchester County and we look forward to continuing our working relationship with the community we serve.”

USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities.  Last year, the agency returned more than $421 million to rural Maryland.  They have more than 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, home ownership, home repair, rental housing, broadband technology, public safety, health care, education, social and cultural needs and energy related projects.  Additional information on rural programs is available by calling their Denton Office at (410) 479-1202, ext. 4 or by visiting their website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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 Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice), or (202) 720-6382 (TDD).