Rahall Announces USDA Funding for McDowell County Public Safety

BECKLEY, W.Va. – U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.) Wednesday announced federal funding for McDowell County for equipment investments to improve first responder capabilities in the region.

"Local municipalities are working hard to cover the budget needs of communities," said Rahall. "Federal funding like this helps to lessen the burden, providing the means to support, repair, or strengthen facilities and amenities in towns across southern West Virginia.”

The McDowell County Commission will receive a $40,000 grant awarded through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program for the McDowell County Emergency Ambulance Authority to assist in the purchase of an ambulance and advanced life support equipment.  The County Commission and Ambulance Authority will contribute $40,000, bringing total funding for the project to $80,000.  A total of $78,750 in previous federal funding was awarded in FY 2011.

USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas, including child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, fire, rescue and police stations, and other public buildings and transportation to ensure that such facilities are available to all rural residents. 

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