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U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine announced Wednesday, March 24 that the Drakes Branch Volunteer Fire Department will receive a grant of $19,500 to purchase a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), trailer, and equipment.

The grant is part of $2,390,400 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide needed infrastructure improvements around the commonwealth.

“We’re glad to see significant federal funding go toward investing in the infrastructure of our rural communities,” the release from the senators said. “These investments will help these regions better meet the needs of the communities they serve while continuing to address public safety challenges amid the COVID pandemic.”

The funding was awarded through the Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants Program and the Community Facilities Loan Guarantees Program, both administered by USDA’s Rural Development. These programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants to develop or improve essential public facilities in rural communities.