U. S. Rep. Zach Wamp and Rural Development Area Director Jerry Amonett joined Clinton Acting Mayor Jerry Shattuck last week to announce $360,000 in funding to improve fire and first responder services in Clinton. The announcement was made at the future home of the new fire substation on Frank Diggs Drive in the I-75 Industrial Park.

"As Clinton continues to grow, more people and businesses depend on quick access to first responder services," Wamp, who represents the Third District, is quoted as saying in a news release. "In a crisis, minutes matter. This new fire substation will allow firefighters to respond to emergencies more rapidly and have the equipment necessary to protect them as they help save lives."

Rural Development's $330,000 community facilities low-interest loan and $30,000 community facilities economic impact initiative grant will be used to construct a new fire substation. The new fire hall is designed to meet the needs of Clinton's fast growing northeast side. There are several new businesses in the area along with new industries in the industrial park. The city is contributing an additional $16,875 for a total investment in fire safety of $376,875.

"Firefighters put themselves on the line to provide critical services to our families and businesses," Amonett said. "This station will help the city strategically distribute first responders and equipment to reduce response times making their job as safe and effective as possible. Thanks to Congressman Wamp and our congressional delegation Rural Development has the financial resources needed to deliver these vital services for the people of Clinton."

Rural Development's community facilities program provides rural areas with the financial resources needed to improve essential community services. Education, healthcare, assisted living and civic facilities, along with local government buildings and equipment for police and fire protection are examples of projects typically funded through this program. Community facilities grants target rural areas with a population less than 20,000. The grants are part of the agency's First Responder Initiative supporting rural emergency service providers by prioritizing the financing for needed equipment and lifesaving services.

USDA Rural Development is committed to the future of rural communities in Tennessee by investing financial and technical assistance through housing, community and business development programs.  In Fiscal Year 2007, Rural Development assisted more than 600,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $308 million in financial assistance through loans and grants.

For more information on homeownership, business development or community facilities programs available in the Anderson County area, contact the USDA Rural Development Area Office in Knoxville at (865) 523-3338 ext. 4, toll free at 800-342-3149 ext. 1491 or visit online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.