CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $375,500 IN USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT LOANS TO BLAKELY FOR PUBLIC WORKS VEHICLES

BLAKELY, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration, and Related Agencies, announced two awards totaling $376,500 in Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants for the City of Blakely. USDA's Rural Development program will help the City of Blakely purchase a new grapple and garbage truck. These new service trucks will help eliminate constant maintenance costs and improve the efficiency of the City Works program.

"Older public service vehicles often require more frequent and costly maintenance and when they are in the shop, it could mean a gap in services," said Congressman Bishop. "I am glad to see these federal funds coming to Blakely for new garbage and grapple trucks to help ensure uninterrupted services for its residents. I will continue to work in Congress with my colleagues to make sure that USDA Rural Development is robustly funded so it can support local projects like this."

"These USDA Rural Development loans, matched by funds the City of Blakely has put together, will cover the cost of purchasing a new garbage and new grapple truck. The newer vehicles will allow us to provide better public works services to the city's residents with fewer interruptions and lower maintenance costs," said Blakely Mayor Travis Wimbush. "These federal funds support local governments, like ours, cover the up-front costs for these larger capital and equipment projects which improve the quality of life for our communities."