By 1808Delaware
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the investment of $871 million to improve critical community facilities to benefit 3.5 million rural residents in 43 states and Guam.
As a result, residents and visitors to northern Delaware County and southern Morrow County will benefit through improved fire services.
“Rural America needs safe, modern community infrastructure to help residents and businesses achieve greater prosperity and have access to essential services,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
USDA is funding 256 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. These investments will be for such purposes as to build or upgrade schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities.
Locally, these funds will benefit the Elm Valley Joint Fire District via a $360,000 loan and $100,000 grant.
This Rural Development investment will be used by Delaware County-based Elm Valley Joint Fire District to purchase a new fire truck. The district averages 360 emergency calls a year in service to the citizens of Ashley and Oxford Townships in Delaware County and Peru and Westfield Townships in Morrow County. Previous collaborations between USDA Rural Development and Elm Valley JFD include more than $1.9 million in loan and grant assistance to offset construction of a new firehouse, and purchase a fire engine.
The District provides services to residents of the Village of Ashley and Oxford Township in Delaware County; Peru and Westfield Townships in Morrow County; and by contract to the eastern portion of Marlboro Township in Delaware County.
