Today, United States Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program will award the Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service in Clayton, NY a $118,000 Community Facility Loan and Grant. Specifically, this $76,700 loan and $41,300 grant will go towards the purchase of a Type III ambulance to serve the local rural area and improve emergency response and safety.
“With this funding, Thousand Islands first responders can focus on their important work knowing that they have a new ambulance and reliable tools at their disposal in case of emergencies, “said Senator Schumer. “I applaud the USDA for investing rural communities through the Community Facility Program. This loan and grant will preserve quality of life for Thousand Islands area residents and businesses, improve safety and encourage further investment in the region.”
“This is an important investment for Thousand Islands first responders,” Senator Gillibrand said. “When emergencies strike, it is our job to make sure our first responders have the tools and resources to do their jobs, and keep our families safe. These federal dollars will help bring a new ambulance to the Thousand Islands community to help provide the best emergency services possible, and help save more lives.”
USDA Community Facilities Programs provide loans, grant and loan guarantees for essential community facilities in rural areas. Priority is given to health care, education and public safety projects. Typical projects are hospitals, health clinics, schools, fire houses, community centers and many other community based initiatives. The funding is part of the USDA Rural Development annual budget.