Delta Democrat Times (Greenville, Miss.)
Leland receives grant for new fire truck
By Catherine Kirk
The City of Leland will soon boast a brand new fire truck thanks to a recent federal grant they obtained.
Just last week, Mississippi Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith announced 11 cities across the state were awarded money for community projects through a United States Department of Agriculture totaling $409,700.
"These USDA Rural Development grants will help fire, police, and public works departments across our state continue to provide essential services," Wicker said in a press release. "These projects will improve the quality of life for thousands of Mississippians."
Hyde-Smith, who serves on the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, shared Wicker's sentiments and said, "USDA Rural Development grants allow small rural communities to improve essential services and facilities, particularly where it involves public safety. I'm pleased these resources for our state have been approved, and I look forward to other Rural Development investments in Mississippi."
Of the 11 cities selected, Leland was awarded $40,300 to help purchase a new fire truck. That grant was secured through efforts by South Delta Planning & Development District.
Leland Mayor Kenny Thomas said the total cost for the new fire truck is $320,365. The USDA grant coupled with a $280,000 grant they were awarded by the Mississippi Development Authority, which was sought by Sen. Buck Clarke, about nine months ago will cover that cost.
"With those two (grants) together, it made something happen that wasn't going to happen. We wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise," Thomas said.
Leland Fire Department Chief Bobby Johnson said the new fire truck they ordered will replace an older truck they recently sold, bringing their fleet up to four.
The new truck, he said, is a Pierce brand with an 1,800-gallon water tank with a foam system.
"It's going to be a nice addition for us," Johnson said.
The money they got from the sold truck, he said, will be used to purchase new equipment, but he doesn't know what that will be just yet.