U.S. Department of Agriculture Announces Funding for New Firetruck in Oxford

A $389,000 Investment from Rural Development Will Assist in Purchase of New Firetruck

(Oxford, N.C., May 26, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development North Carolina State Director Robert Hosford celebrated the announcement of an investment with the Total Community Berea Fire Department to purchase a new firetruck.

USDA Rural Development in partnership with Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation is investing $389,000 with the Total Community Berea Fire Department through the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program to finance the purchase of a new, modern fire engine.

"This investment is about making sure rural families and first responders have the tools they need to stay safe," said Hosford. "By partnering with Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation and the Total Community Berea Fire Department, USDA Rural Development is helping provide modern equipment that will strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve quality of life for residents across the community. Reliable fire protection is essential to supporting economic growth and keeping rural North Carolina strong."

The Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant programs provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas.

USDA Rural Development provides loans, grants and technical assistance to support economic development, infrastructure, and quality-of-life improvements in rural communities across North Carolina and the nation.

To learn more about USDA Rural Development programs, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/nc.

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