RICHMOND, Va., Feb. 8, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Virginia State Director Perry Hickman today announced investments of $4.4 million to help ensure continuity of critical services in six communities in the commonwealth.
“Investments in public safety and community facilities are vital to sustaining quality of life for rural Virginians,” Hickman said. “Our team obligated more than $30 million for these types of projects in 2023 and we are pleased to play a small part in making sure these small towns, fire departments and law enforcement organizations are equipped to provide the best services possible.”
In Halifax County, the Oak Level Volunteer Fire Department is using a $365,000 loan to purchase a new pumper truck to replace an aging vehicle that requires costly repairs and may soon be out of compliance with expected performance guidelines. The 1,000 to 1,500 gallon per minute capacity of the new truck will enhance the department's capacity to protect lives and property in this small, limited resource community.
The following cities and towns in or near Wise and Russell counties also received funding through the Community Facilities Program for public safety projects:
- Norton received a $2.1 million loan to purchase a 2023 ladder truck to replace a 30-year-old vehicle that has been taken out of service for failure to meet National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and manufacturer recommendations for performance.
- St. Paul will use a $386,000 loan to secure a new pumper truck to replace equipment that is no longer operational. The project will enable the town to continue providing fire and other emergency services to the locality's 970 residents.
- Honaker received a $25,000 grant to purchase a law enforcement vehicle to help update the town’s aging fleet. The properly equipped vehicle will provide safe and reliable transportation for officers patrolling the small community of 1,449 residents.
USDA Rural Development community facilities investments included public works projects as well with funding provided to enhance sanitation services in Wythe, Wise, and Giles counties:
- Wytheville received a loan of $843,000 to purchase a new sanitation vehicle that will help to reduce operating expenses for this small community with limited resources, and a replacement dehumidification unit will ensure continuity of operations at the Wytheville Community Center by regulating temperature and air quality in the pool area and other portions of the facility.
- The Coeburn-Norton-Wise Regional Wastewater Treatment Authority received a $174,100 loan and $25,000 grant to purchase a 2023 dump truck that will be used to provide regular collection services for this persistent poverty community of 9,000 people.
- The Wise County Public Service Authority used a $140,000 loan to secure a four-wheel drive vehicle that will enable employees to reach customers in more remote portions of its coverage area. The steep topography has proven to be an insurmountable barrier in expanding solid waste collection and this project will help to ensure continuity of sanitation services in this low-income persistent poverty community of more than 42,000 people.
- The Giles County Public Service Authority received a $345,000 loan to finance the replacement of a collection vehicle at the end of its useful life. The project will enable the applicant to continue providing curb service to approximately 7,200 customers and operating three transfer stations for garbage drop-off as well as proceed with plans to add another transfer station in the near future.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.
For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. Visit our GovDelivery subscriber page to receive regular USDA Rural Development updates.
