USDA funds Uniontown and Bronson projects

Two Bourbon County towns has been awarded funding assistance to make some needed improvements.

The City of Uniontown and the City of Bronson have been awarded a combined $60,450 through the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Community Facilities program.

The City of Bronson was awarded $50,000 through the program to be used for upgrading existing high traffic streets in the city. According to a statement released by the USDA Rural Development, the funds will be used to reconstruct the subgrade of chip sealed roads and install an asphalt overlay on the high traffic streets.

The funding comes as an addition to previous funding which has already been awarded including a Community Development Block Grant of $300,000 from the Kansas Department of Commerce and an applicant contribution of $50,000.

USDA Rural Development funding to the City of Uniontown will be used to provide an additional measure of safety to nearly 300 residents. The city has been awarded $10,450 to purchase and install a new early warning storm siren.

"Severe weather can strike unexpectedly, often resulting in serious personal consequences. Violent storms and the loss of life underscore the need for improved safety measures," USDA Rural Development State Director Patty Clark said. "The installation of a storm shelter or storm sirens in a community offer important added safety and security whenever severe weather approaches. USDA Rural Development is able to provide communities with the resources to protect themselves and their families."

The city of Uniontown will be contributing $8,550 toward the purchase.

USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities program helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas such as child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. Public bodies, non-profit organizations and recognized Indian tribes are eligible to apply for funding.

For additional information regarding USDA Rural Development and its programs, visit the agency's Web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks or call the state office at (785) 271-2700.