The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Office has awarded funding to six projects across rural communities in Christian, Greene, Macoupin, and Montgomery counties. The funding is part of the Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants Program. It includes $120,400 in grants and a $159,000 low-interest loan for a total of $279,400 in federal support. These grants leverage local match dollars to support $367,714 worth of projects.
"I am excited to announce funding for six different projects in rural communities across Central and Southwestern Illinois,” said Davis. “These grants leverage local dollars to fund much-needed projects and equipment for law enforcement and public works departments. They are a great example of the investments we need to make at the federal level to support our rural communities and I'm proud to support them in Congress."
In Christian County, the Village of Mt. Auburn, $12,600 grant with a $10,400 local match for a total cost of $23,000. This grant will be used to construct a 5-foot reinforced concrete retaining wall along the southern edge of the city hall property parking lot to provide stability for a new 10-foot wide section of the aggregate parking lot along the retaining wall. This project will improve the safety and maintainability of the parking lot.
The city of Pana, $24,400 grant with a $20,034 local match for a total cost of $44,434. This grant will be used to purchase a law enforcement interceptor AWD vehicle to replace a current vehicle with high mileage and is in need of costly repairs. The city has nine full-time officers, seven of which provide full-time patrol duties utilizing six vehicles. This vehicle will ensure the safety of the patrol officers while providing public safety to the residents.
The city of Taylorville, $24,500 grant with a $20,155 local match for a total cost of $44,655. This grant will be used to purchase a law enforcement vehicle. The city's law enforcement department is in need of another vehicle to add to their fleet. They plan to purchase a 2021 law enforcement Interceptor Utility AWD vehicle. This project will provide better public safety.
In Greene County, the City of Carrollton, $9,000 grant with a $16,716 local match for a total cost of $25,716. This grant will enable the city to purchase a pickup truck for use by the city's street department for city projects. Their current 18-year-old truck, which is in need of costly repairs, will be replaced. This project will benefit all residents who utilize city streets.
In Macoupin County, Scottville Township, $25,000 grant with a $159,000 loan for total cost of $184,000. This grant and loan will be used to purchase a replacement road grader. The townships' road grader has reached its useful life and can no longer adequately serve the community. The township will purchase a 2019 road grader, maintaining 46.1 miles of roads and ditches within the township.
In Montgomery County, the city of Witt, a $24,900 grant with a $20,469 local match for a total cost of $45,369. This grant will be used to purchase a replacement law enforcement vehicle with added equipment. This vehicle will replace the city's existing law enforcement vehicle, which has reached its useful life. The new vehicle ensures adequate public safety for the community.
