Washington, DC -- December 17-- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development provided a $970,000 loan to the South Kingston Fire District, USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Jill Long Thompson announced today. Rural Development's Community Facilities program is designed to provide funding for the construction, enlargement or improvements of essential community facilities for health care, public safety and public services in rural towns throughout America.
A quarter of this funding, $220,000, will be used for the purchase of a 2,500 gallon per minute pumper truck with a 1,000 gallon carrying capacity. The remainder will facilitate the construction of an addition to the district's existing fire station. The remaining funds will allow for adequate space for fire equipment, as well as separate living quarters and office space for fire personnel and public meeting areas. The area covered by this station includes the Village of Kingston and the University of Rhode Island, which houses a population of 6,600.
"USDA and the Clinton-Gore Administration realize that community facilities - such as health care clinics, police and fire stations, schools and child care centers - are essential to the quality of life in any rural community," said Long Thompson. "Through its Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program, the Department and the Administration are striving to ensure that such facilities are readily available to all rural Americans."
"Programs such as this help improve the safety and well-being of rural residents," said Southern New England Rural Development State Director William H. Bradley. "Modern fire equipment and state of the art fire stations are essential to the fire district fulfilling its role in the community."
The Community Facilities direct lending program received $3.5 million in funding this year for Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. For further information about this, or any Rural Development program, contact the Rural Development office nearest you.
Contact:
Clark Ray, (202) 720-5579
Rhode Island Rural Development Sate Director Bill Bradley, (413) 253-4300