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 Town of Leon a $204,000 Community Facility Loan and Grant. Specifically, this $154,000 loan and $50,000 grant will go towards the purchase of a 2014 Mack snowplow truck with equipment to serve the local rural area during winter storms and improve safety.
“With this funding, the Town of Leon will be prepared for upcoming winter storms with a brand new plow truck, and residents will be kept safer during storms,” said Senator Schumer. “I applaud the USDA for investing in rural communities through the Community Facility Program. This loan and grant will preserve quality of life for Leon area residents and businesses, improve safety and encourage further investment in the region, no matter what season.”
“This is an important investment for the Town of Leon,” Senator Gillibrand said. “When big winter storms cover our streets with snow, we’ll be ready with this new heavy-duty plow to keep our roads clear and safe, and keep local residents on the move.”
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.