The Graham County Board of Commissioners recently put out bids for a new sanitation truck. Thanks to the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program, the price tag will be covered.
The Trump Administration announced Aug. 24 that the U.S. Department of Agriculture would be investing $46 million to improve community facilities nationwide, benefitting 363,000 rural residents in 16 states. Graham County’s award – $325,000 in loans and $75,000 in grants – was the lone North Carolina recipient.
“USDA funding has been integral to our sanitation program over the years,” Graham County Manager Becky Garland said. “We will be looking at USDA funding as we move our facilities plan forward and also for funding for our public safety programs as well.
“USDA has been a good partner with the county, and we are grateful for any opportunity to continue that relationship, in order to help us serve the community better.”
The project description for the award lists a new sanitation truck, a garbage trailer – with walking floor assembly – and Dumpsters.
The county has three sanitation trucks. Two of those are 20 years old and require constant maintenance. Just last month, the county had to reconfigure its pickup schedule because one of the trucks broke down.