AULANDER – The Aulander Police Department has a new weapon to fight crime.

Thanks to the help of USDA Rural Development, the town of Aulander has a new police car. USDA helped Aulander with a low interest Community Facility loan of $33,000 to purchase a new, fully equipped 2012 Dodge Charger.

“We’re very happy to have the car,” Aulander Police Chief Will Liverman said. “It is a valuable asset for our law enforcement as we take care of the citizens of Aulander.

“We are thankful to USDA Rural Development, the town board and the staff,” he continued. “This has been a joint effort with our police commissioner, Ron Poppell, the town council, the Aulander police officers and the town clerk (Johnna Browne).”

The vehicle is already in service and being used by the police department.

“The Obama Administration understands that rural America must have all resources necessary to respond to emergencies and save lives,” said Randall Gore, State Director of USDA Rural Development. “The police vehicle is a perfect example of how the Community Facilities program is able to assist rural communities.”

The Community Facilities program helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These include health and child care center, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, libraries, community centers, public buildings and transportation. The funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian Tribes.

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 $165 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 seven area offices and 14 field offices across the state, serving North Carolinians living in rural areas and communities. Area Office locations are in Asheville, Shelby, Lumberton, Asheboro, Henderson, Kinston and Smithfield.

Further information on rural program is available at a local USDA Rural Development Office, www.rurdev.usda.gov/nc or by visiting the USDA Rural Development website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.