Federal Stimulus Funds To Aid Localities

BRISTOL HERALD COURIER
BRISTOL, Va. – Eighteen localities and organizations in far Southwest Virginia are among those who will receive federal stimulus funds for rural community facility and emergency responder projects.

The grants were announced Tuesday by U.S. Sens. Jim Webb and Mark Warner, and U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher. Statewide, a total of $1.2 million, provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program, will help with facilities such as child care centers; hospitals and clinics; assisted living facilities; fire, rescue and police stations; community centers; public buildings and transportation.

Area localities receiving money, in amounts ranging from $14,850 to $100,000, include the towns of Glade Spring, Damascus, Lebanon, Coeburn, Marion, Big Stone Gap; the city of Norton; Lee, Dickenson and Grayson counties.

Other recipients include the Dickenson County Industrial Development Authority, the Clinch River Health Services, Ecumenical Faith in Action, Lonesome Pine Arts and Crafts, Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Senior Services Center, Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest, Norton Rescue Squad and Mount Rogers Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

Grant will buy generator

A $50,000 federal grant will help the Clinch River Health Services buy a power generator for a new clinic in Dungannon, U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher confirmed Tuesday.  The generator would keep the clinic running through a widespread power outage. The U.S. Department of Agriculture will fund the grant through the federally funded Recovery Act.

A $50,000 federal grant will help the Bland County Sheriff’s Office buy and equip four new cars, U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher said Tuesday.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Recovery Act. “The provision of federal funds to purchase vehicles for the Bland County Sheriff’s Office is a necessary step in protecting the people who protect us,” Boucher said in a written statement.

Federal grants totaling $73,245 will help Marion, Va., buy safety equipment for firefighters and police, U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher announced Tuesday.

A grant of $30,290 is designated for safety equipment at the Marion Volunteer Fire Department. Another grant for $42,955 will go toward two new police cars.The U.S. Department of Agriculture will supply the grants through the federally approved Recovery Act.

BIG STONE GAP, Va. – “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine” outdoor drama will receive $25,000 in federal stimulus money, U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher said Monday. The money, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Agency, will be used for technology improvements for the state’s official outdoor drama, including sound, lighting and wiring, as well as ticketing software and stage improvements.

LEBANON, Va. – The town of Lebanon will receive $50,000 in federal stimulus money to buy and equip five new police vehicles.

The grant money, to be distributed through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Agency, will be used to replace five older police vehicles and provide them with sirens and safety and communication tools.