Congressman Terry Everett recently presented the town of Rutledge with a $119,000 grant and a $76,000 loan from USDA Rural Development for the purchase of a new pumper/tanker truck at the fire station.

Within the last two months, USDA Rural Development invested nearly $2 million in small business and community development projects in six Southeast Alabama counties, including Crenshaw, Butler, Lowndes, Barbour, Coffee, and Dale.

&#8220Alabama's future is rooted in today's economic development efforts,” Rep. Everett said. &#8220When it comes to assisting the state's rural and urban communities with vital funding for industrial and business development and critical local infrastructure and public safety upgrades, USDA Rural Development leads the way.”

&#8220These funds will assist first responders and provide needed equipment in several communities just like Rutledge,” Steve Pelham, USDA Rural Development State Director, said.

Rutledge Mayor Joe Dexter Flynn said that he was very appreciative of the grant and of the congressman's efforts to help rural communities.

&#8220This is grant money that will certainly be used for the betterment and safety of Rutledge,” Flynn said. &#8220We thank Congressman Everett and Steve Pelham for the assistance they have given to us.”