Rogers Announces Funding for 3 New Police Cruisers in Cumberland
Thursday, December 11, 2008

Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) program has approved a $56,362 grant for the City of Cumberland to purchase three new police cruisers for the city’s Police Department.  These funds will allow city and county public safety officials to provide additional protection and emergency services for the region’s rural population.

“Modern, well-equipped cruisers are essential for police departments serving rural areas,” stated Rogers.  “I continue to be impressed by the valuable partnerships forged between the USDA and the rural communities in our region of southern and eastern Kentucky, and this investment by USDA-RD will go a long way towards speeding response times and increasing public safety in Cumberland and surrounding areas of Harlan County.”
 
The USDA-RD economic impact initiative (EII) program helps remove barriers to economic development in rural areas with especially high unemployment rates.  In 2007, more than $707,000 in EII grants were awarded to rural communities to help fund the purchase of new fire engines, police cars, communications equipment and other first responder needs.  The City of Cumberland will contribute $18,788 towards the purchase of three 2009 Dodge Charger cruisers, bringing the total cost to $75,150.

Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee.  Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.