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

TOWN RECEIVES TWO USDA GRANTS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY VEHICLES

Princess Anne, Md., December 17, 2009 --- From the Eastern Shore to Western Maryland, USDA Rural Development has provided assistance across the State to help fund new police and fire vehicles and dump trucks equipped with snow plows, according to USDA Rural Development State Director Jack Tarburton.  Here in Princess Anne, USDA highlighted a $25,000 grant to help the town purchase a code compliance vehicle and a $50,000 grant to help the Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Company purchase a brush truck.

“Helping to ensure that rural America remains a safe place to live, work and raise a family is part of what we are called to do at USDA Rural Development,” said Tarburton. 
Through the assistance of Rural Development’s community facility program, emergency and other vital services are being enhanced for more communities.”

 In addition to Princess Anne, in 2009 -- USDA Rural Development supported seven rural communities with public safety vehicles totaling $328,442.  The funding was provided in the form of grant funds and 33% of the funding was a result of the Stimulus Act.    

The Stimulus is helping to support jobs and for Tracy Grangier, Code Compliance Officer with the Town of Princess Anne, it has greatly enhanced her ability to do her job.  Before the new vehicle arrived, Ms. Grangier was using a high mileage police car that had no heat and a worn out suspension.  “The Town Commissioners are grateful for the opportunity to equip our Code Compliance Department with a dependable vehicle.  While much needed the Town’s budget could not support the purchase on its own,” said President Frank White.

USDA Rural Developments mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents.  In 2009, the agency returned more than $412 million to rural Maryland.  USDA Rural Development funds more than 40 programs that support agriculture, business opportunities, homeownership, 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 State Office at (302) 857-3580 or by visiting their website at 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, S.W.,

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