Buena Vista, VA (Oct. 29, 2009) - Debbie Garrett, representing Congressman Bob Goodlatte, State Director for USDA Rural Development, Ellen M. Davis, Tommy Keiser, Fire Chief for the city of Buena Vista, Gomez Lee, Fire Chief for the Natural Bridge Fire Department and other federal, state and local officials, helped celebrate the funding of a new fire truck and new portable radios for the two volunteer fire department.
A portion of the funding for the new fire truck and its equipment for Buena Vista is being provided by a $50,000 Economic Impact Grant. Funding for the new portable radios for Natural Bridge (in excess of $6,000 will be funded with a Community Facility Grant and is from the Federal Stimulus Appropriation. Both grants are being provided by Rural Development.
The new truck will have a 1,000 gallon water capacity and will provide reliable fire protection to the citizens of Buena Vista and surrounding areas.
"The new truck should be here on site by next week and will provide the area wit improved fire safety," said Davis. She went on to say that, "It is one of our highest priorities at Rural Development to assist First Responder needs in the rural areas of the state and provide them with the needed modern emergency equipment."
Claire Collins, Rockbridge County administrator, pointed out in some brief remarks the importance of the many fire and rescue squad volunteers. Huge budget savings and therefore lower taxes exist in the region due to these individuals, she noted.
Buena Vista mayor Mike Clements remarked about the importance of the fire department to the community. He praised its members and their longstanding devotion to duty.
Last year, Rural Development provided over $21 million in Community Facility projects in rural Virginia.
Further information on these and other rural programs is available at each local USDA Rural Development Office or by visiting the website for Rural Development at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.
"Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities," Davis said.
(Editor's note: a full video was recorded of the events by the Rockbridge Weekly: |  | Natural Bridge Volunteer Fire Department Chief Gomez Lee (left) is joined by representative for Congressman Bob Goodlatte Debbie Garrett (center) and USDA Rural Development State Director Ellen Matthews Davis, as a grant for more than $6,000 is awarded by USDA Rural Development to the department for the purchase of emergency radio equipment. (Staff photo by Jerry E. Clark)
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