(Des Moines) U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield announced that the Agency is investing $1,213,603 in 13 grants and $43,957,700 in five loans to projects in Iowa that promote rural small businesses, provide technical assistance, and support public works infrastructure.
Here in southwest Iowa:
-City of Villisca received a $50,000 grant to purchase equipment for the city of Villisca. This project will provide two automated external defibrillators to the city’s ambulances. These medical devices are designed to analyze heart function in emergency situations, then deliver a shock to restore normal heart rhythm. Once completed, this project will promote the health and safety of residents and visitors to this rural Montgomery County community.
-City of Villisca received a $28,900 grant to purchase hydraulic rescue equipment. This project will provide a new Jaws of Life for fire department operations. This equipment will facilitate emergency response services and promote the safety of residents and visitors of this rural Montgomery County community.
-City of Exira received a $28,900 grant to help replace the roof on the fire station. This project will provide a reliable roof to protect essential emergency service vehicles and stored equipment used by the city’s volunteer fire department. Once in service, the new fire station roof will better serve the safety needs of residents of this rural Audubon County community.
-City of Afton received a $17,700 grant to help purchase a new early warning storm siren. This project will alert people inside the city limits during emergency situations. The siren is essential equipment which will improve public safety measures during severe weather and will help protect the residents of this rural Union County community.
