AHOSKIE – Town of Ahoskie officials are finalizing the paperwork for a new fire truck.

Over the past ten years, the town has been upgrading town facilities and services to meet the needs of the residents.  The 2011, 750 gallon, 1250 GPM pumper will replace the 1974 LaFrance pumper that has been in service more than 36 years.

The new truck will be delivered Thursday. Town officials have scheduled a 3 p.m. meeting to accept delivery.

The USDA Rural Development provided a $300,000 community facility low interest loan and $75,000 grant for the purchase of the fire truck.

This vehicle will help the fire department to maintain its level 6 rating which in turn will benefit residents with reduced insurance premiums.

The Community Facilities program helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These include health and child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, libraries, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes. More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $155 billion in affordable loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

USDA Rural Development has nine Area Offices and 11 field offices across the state serving North Carolinians living in rural areas and communities.  Area Office locations are in Asheville, Jefferson, Asheboro, Henderson, Lumberton, Smithfield, Greenville, Kinston and Shelby.