The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Wednesday that it is investing more than $22 million in western Kentucky and Tennessee. The funding will be used to improve law enforcement, expand ambulance services, aid the expansion of a bourbon distillery, improve water treatment, and implement a dental health care program in multiple county school systems.
USDA Rural Development Kentucky State Director Tom Carew called the announcement "just the latest wins" for the Rural Partners Network, a Biden administration initiative aimed at accelerating community development in rural areas across the nation.
The more than $22 million in investments includes:
- A $1 million grant for the Purchase Area Development District (PADD) from Delta Health Care Services to bring a dental health care program to local schools in Calloway, Fulton, Hickman, and Lyon counties.
- An additional ambulance for KenTenn Emergency Medical Services. The ambulance will be housed and deployed out of the Fulton County community of Cayce.
- A $21.6 million guaranteed loan for Jackson Purchase Distillery in Hickman to construct a new still, fermenter building, grain handling system, and rickhouse. The expansion is expected to create 25 new jobs.
- A $250,000 grant for the city of South Fulton, Tennessee, for maintenance at its water treatment plant.
- A $32,200 Community Facilities grant for the city of Fulton, Kentucky, to buy and equip a vehicle for the Fulton Police Department.
This investment in western Kentucky and Tennessee is part of the Biden administration's commitment to supporting rural communities. The Rural Partners Network is helping to connect rural communities with federal resources and funding, and the investments announced Wednesday will help to improve the lives of residents in the region.
Source: wkms.org
Photo Credit: USDA
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy