Howardwick uses grants to improve safety

Four grants over the last two years have resulted in improved services and better public safety in the City of Howardwick, according to an announcement made last Wednesday, August 31, at Howardwick City Hall.

The USDA Rural Development funds totaled $131,000 that were matched by $51,000 in city funds, and Texas USDA Rural Development Director Paco Valentin praised the partnership between the local and federal levels.

“This isn’t just a matter of the federal government bailing you out,” Valentine said. “You’ve got skin in this game of about $51,000.”

Valentin also praised City Secretary Tammy Jordan and Fire Chief Will Jordan as being “very instrumental” in going through the paperwork to make the grants happen.

Howardwick used the federal assistance to purchase a backhoe, a John Deere Tractor and Rotary Cutter, and a Road Maintainer.  The City’s old equipment was in need of major repairs and the purchase of new equipment was more economically feasible.

The grant funds were also used to purchase a new early warning siren system with three storm sirens.  The system is activated wirelessly and has battery reserve capabilities which allows the system to function after a power grid failure.  This system replaced the 1975 rotary storm sirens that were only partially operational and replacement parts were no longer available.

Mayor Mike Rowland called the USDA’s grants “a true blessing.”

“The new equipment has helped us clean this town up,” the mayor said. “We’ve been able to cut our maintenance costs to the point that we can start doing something about abandoned buildings also. It has overall made this a more family friendly community through doing business with USDA.”

Donley County Judge John Howard praised the city and federal officials.

“We appreciate the efforts to improve the lives and public safety in Howardwick,” the judge said.

USDA officials also credited Congressman Mac Thornberry (R-Clarendon) for his support of rural development programs, and Thornberry was represented by Melisa Kalka from his Amarillo office.

Also attending last week’s announcement and representing USDA were Vivian Klecker and Clyde Jenkins.

The USDA says President Barack Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. These investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.

For information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/tx.