USDA awards SW Virginia more than $2 million in grants and loans for public service improvement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development awarded more than $2 million in grants and loans for projects and public services in Southwest Virginia. This funding was awarded on Friday, and will go to numerous agencies in the region.

Virginia Congressman, Morgan Griffith, says, “Rural communities often face difficulties in reliably funding the public services they provide. This award is a significant investment in Southwest Virginia and will improve the quality of life for residents.”

A press release details the funding distribution as follows:

A loan of $1,700,000 to People Incorporated of Southwest Virginia in Abingdon to purchase and renovate a building for an administrative office;
A loan of $84,300 and a grant of $75,000 to the Town of Glade Spring for a new sanitation vehicle;
A loan of $85,000, a grant of $50,000, and a grant of $25,000 to the Wise County Public Service Authority for three new service trucks;
A grant of $66,000 to the William King Museum of Art in Abingdon for a diesel generator to provide backup electricity;
A grant of $50,000 to the Town of Marion to purchase equipment for its patrol vehicle fleet;
A grant of $50,000 to the City of Norton for two new vehicles, furniture, and equipment; and
A grant of $23,200 to Buchanan County for a utility task vehicle, cargo trailer, and four helmets.

(Image: USDA)