USDA Rural Development First Responder Initiative

USDA Rural Development is committed to assisting rural communities prepare for emergencies and the delivery of lifesaving services. Rural Development provides funding through the Rural Emergency Responders Initiative to specifically strengthen the ability of rural communities to respond to local emergencies. Community Facilities program funds are used to support rural emergency responder efforts by financing needed equipment and services.

These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations, and recognized Indian tribes. Community Programs can make and guarantee loans and grants to develop essential community facilities in rural areas and towns of up to 20,000 in population. These loans are low interest long term for capital improvements and large equipment purchases. In some instances there can also be a grant provided based on the extent of financial need.

A grant may be made in combination with other Community Facility financial assistance such as a direct or guaranteed loan, applicant contributions, or loans and grants from other sources. In most instances, projects which receive grant assistance have a high priority and are highly leveraged with other loan and grant awards. Grant assistance may be available for up to 75% of project costs. Grant funding limitations are based on population and income, economic feasibility, and availability of funds.

USDA Rural Development provides financing of a variety of community facilities, such as libraries, courthouses, fire and rescue facilities and equipment, police and emergency vehicles and services and other community focused facilities and services. Through Rural Development’s First Responder Initiative, funds may be used to finance equipment, vehicles, and/or buildings and the following types of projects are emphasized:

• Fire Protection Equipment
• Fire Station
• Fire Trucks
• Rescue and Ambulance Service – Equipment
• Emergency Response Training
• Physicians Clinic
• Early Storm Warning System
• County Health Department Office
• Food Preparation Distribution Center
• Animal Shelter – Veterinarians
• Education Facilities for Emergency
• Police Station
• Police Car
• Civil Defense Building
• Health Care Building
• Hospital
• Outpatient Care
• Office Building (Health Care)
• Migrant Health Centers
• Communications Center
• Mobil Communications Center

During the Bush Administration over $1.5 billion has been invested by USDA Rural Development to address essential community needs that assist with public safety, education, health care, cultural, transportation, and other public needs, including: the purchase of 508 fire trucks, 103 police cars, and 156 ambulances and construction or renovation of 79 hospitals, 71 public or charter schools, and 155 child care centers. In addition, $29 million in grant funds have been invested in 93 telemedicine grant projects to develop technologies needed to enhance medical care involving 846 health care institutions. Please visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/cf/Emerg_Responder/rural_emergency_responders_initi.htm for additional information about the First Responder Initiative.