South Dakota Rural Development Acting State Director Hally Witte has announced that USDA is investing $35,700 in the Gregory Volunteer Fire Department to replace outdated equipment.
“This USDA investment will improve efficiency and safety in the delivery of fire protection services to this rural community of 1,821 people,” said Witte. “USDA is a strong partner to rural South Dakota in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Gregory Fire Company will use the federal funding provided through a Community Facilities Disaster Grant to purchase 10 self-contained breathing apparatuses including cylinders, rechargeable batteries and a cascade filling system for the Gregory Fire Department. These items will replace existing equipment that is beyond the end of its useful life.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in eligible rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.
Interested parties in South Dakota should contact Diane Sieperda, Acting Community Programs Director, at diane.sieperda@usda.gov or 605- 937-4773 for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also, see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants a detailed overview of the application process.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/sd.
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