NEWS RELEASE

United States Department of Agriculture • Rural Development
3001 Coolidge Rd. • 2nd Floor North • Suite 200 • East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: (517) 324-5204 • Fax: (517) 324-5225 • alec.lloyd@mi.usda.gov

HOUGHTON RECEIVES $239,000 FOR FIRE TRUCK

LANSING, March 14, 2007 – USDA Rural Development Director for Michigan Gene DeRossett today presented a ceremonial grant check for $239,000 in grants and loans to the City of Houghton to purchase a pumper fire truck.

“USDA Rural Development is always looking for new ways to improve the quality of life for rural residents,” said DeRossett.  “I am pleased we could help the Houghton Fire Department and enhance local fire protection.”

The money consists of $45,000 in grants and $193,000 in loans.  The event is part of a series of ceremonies commemorating more than $1.6 million in grants and loans for communities across the Upper Peninsula.

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, Rural Development provides equity, liquidity, and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ 

###

Questions?  Contact the Webmaster