WASHINGTON — Senator Chuck Grassley said today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Rural Development is awarding four grants totaling $27,650 to Iowa through the Community Facility Grant Program.
The Office of Rural Development will distribute the funds as shown below.
• Bernard will receive $5,530 to purchase a generator to power water and sewer systems during a power outage and to equip the fire and rescue departments.
• Decatur City will receive $10,020 to purchase heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment for the community center.
• Sherrill Fire Department will receive $5,700 to purchase 15 new sets of fire fighting bunker gear, and $6,400 to purchase a cardiac defibrillator.
“These grants will help residents have access to better emergency and public facilities, making the communities even better places to live,” Grassley said.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the Community Facilities Program provides grants, loans and loan guarantees to assist in the development of essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in population.
Each year, local Iowa organizations, colleges and universities, individuals and state agencies apply for competitive grants and loans from the federal government. The funding is then awarded based on each local organization or individual’s ability to meet criteria set by the federal entity administering the funds.