Hulshof announces rural development grant for Vandalia

U.S. Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R-MO) announced Wednesday that the city of Vandalia has received a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant for $15,900. This grant is awarded through USDA’s Rural Development program.
“This is a great example of what the federal government and USDA can do to help our rural communities,” said Hulshof. “With the severe weather we’ve seen recently in the Midwest, the need for reliable and adequate early warning sirens becomes that much more important. This grant helps Vandalia meet that need.”
“We are very pleased to receive this grant, and we’re happy our town will now be a safer place in which to live,” said Vandalia Mayor Ramon Barnes.
Rural Development funds will be used to purchase and install two early warning siren systems for the city of Vandalia. The community currently has two sirens, but they do not adequately serve the city’s residents. Grant funds will allow for the purchase of emergency preparedness equipment that will benefit Vandalia’s 2,529 residents. The system will cost $28,978, of which the city will provide $13,078.
“I am pleased to partner with USDA Rural Development and Vandalia officials to help make this important project a reality,” added Hulshof.