USDA Rural Development presented a mock check in the amount of $9,530 to the city of Coffey during a ceremony held on Wednesday, April 19, at their city hall. The Community Facility Grant will assist with the purchase and installment of an early warning siren system for the city.
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USDA Rural Development presented a mock check in the amount of $9,530 to the city of Coffey during a ceremony held on Wednesday, April 19, at their city hall. The Community Facility Grant will assist with the purchase and installment of an early warning siren system for the city.
"Rural Development is very proud to be able to assist this Daviess County community with such an important project," said Greg C. Branum, Missouri State Director of USDA Rural Development. "City officials have made a strong commitment to provide quality service to Coffey residents and these funds will enhance their ability to do so. The ability to provide emergency warnings is a vital necessity for the safety of any community."
Coffey Mayor Walter Burnett expressed his appreciation, saying the storm siren was a needed item to protect the citizens and businesses in Coffey from the threat of severe weather. He cited this spring’s devastating tornadoes in central Missouri and the deadly twister that struck the Santa Rosa area a few years ago.
"If the storm siren saves one life, that’ll be cheap," he said. "No money can replace a life."
The total project cost of the siren is $13,280. The remainder after the grant, $3,750, will be provided by the city of Coffey in the form of applicant contribution. Mr. Branum added that a good part of those applicant contribution costs will be donated by Farmers Electric Cooperative out of Chillicothe in the form of poles and installation.
"Appreciation is extended to U.S. Senators "Kit" Bond and Jim Talent and U.S. Representative Sam Graves for supporting USDA Rural Development," Mr. Branum said."They have been strong proponents for the necessary funding for essential services for rural Missourians. Funding important projects like this by Rural Development mirrors President Bush’s initiative of being committed to the future or rural communities."