Delaware Delegation Trumpets Federal Support for Local Community and Education Projects to Improve Quality of Life in Delaware

WASHINGTON – Today, Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Rep. John Carney (all D-Del.) trumpeted federal support for two projects that will help improve the quality of life in rural communities in Delaware.
 
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program selected MOT Charter School, Inc., in Middletown, Del., for a $2.8 million Rural Development loan to expand its existing facility by 19,000 square feet. A new wing will include a library, two additional classrooms, a lobby, a multi-purpose area, a booster room and bathrooms. 
 
“In today’s economic reality, schools throughout Delaware and the nation are forced to make tough budget cuts and spending decisions, resulting in inadequate libraries and dilapidated buildings,” said the Delegation. “Delaware’s students and educators deserve better. This loan from the USDA helps MOT Charter School expand and modernize to better meet its growing student body’s educational needs.”
 
“The loan from the USDA has made possible a much needed expansion of the MOT Charter School facility that our school community has been anticipating and working toward for a long time,” said Linda J. Jennings, Head of MOT Charter School. “We are so grateful to Denise MacLeish and her team for the energy and assistance they have provided to us to make this happen.”
 
Additionally, USDA Rural Development selected the Indian River Volunteer Fire Company to receive a $50,000 grant to purchase wild land firefighting equipment and a utility response vehicle. 
 
“Every day, the men and women of our fire and emergency service organizations put their lives on the line to protect our communities and our property in Delaware, and it is critically important that we give reliable equipment to ensure that they are safe and that Delawareans throughout the state have access to critical, life-saving services,” said the Delegation. 
 
Through the years, Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program has been a vital funding source for many rural communities. The 135 projects in 40 states, Puerto Rico and the Western Pacific are being financed through $234 million in loans and grants from USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program. Eligible projects include essential community facilities for public use in rural areas such as fire protection, safety, health care, education and many other community needs.

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