By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Wednesday, August 12, US Representative Terri Sewell welcomed US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack to Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, where he announced that the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $1.6 million in various projects within the 7th Congressional District.
Secretary Vilsack made the announcement while touring through the 7th Congressional District with Congresswoman Sewell. They began their district tour with a groundbreaking ceremony in Whitehall, to launch a waste water treatment plant that received a $1.02 million grant, and a $112,000 USDA loan.
Secretary Vilsack also joined Congresswoman Sewell for a tour of Kyser Catfish Farm in Greensboro, and participated in a roundtable discussion with local catfish farmers in Marengo County.
Congresswoman Sewell said, “I am so thrilled that USDA has made these significant investments in my district. Sustaining and supporting rural communities is critically important to the well-being of the constituents who will benefit from these projects.”
Overall, the USDA has invested $4.9 million in the State of Alabama. Some of these USDA projects include:
The Fischer Rescue Squad received a $7,300 Loan and a $1,000 Grant to purchase underwater rescue equipment.
The City of Marion received a $21,000 Grant to determine the cost and feasibility of upgrading and expanding the water system.
The Water Works and Sewer Board of the town of Fort Deposit received a $29,580 grant to determine the cost and feasibility of upgrading and expanding the water system.
The Town of Grove Hill received a $7,500 Grant to purchase body cameras, computers and other equipment for the Grove Hill Police Department.
The Wilcox County Board of Education received a $683,500 loan and $50,000 grant to renovate the natatorium at Wilcox County High School.
The City of Elba receive a $22,500 planning grant to determine the cost and feasibility of upgrading and expanding the waste water system.
The Mobile Council of the Boy Scouts of America received a $49,000 grant to make improvements at Camp Maubila in Clarke County, including construction of a pavilion and five Adirondack sleeping platforms and other facility improvements.
The Rural Development Foundation received a $11,700 Loan and $14,800 grant to purchase computers, printers, microphones and audio visual equipment to assist communities with economic development.
The Lowndes County Commission received a $389,100 loan and $41,000 Grant to upgrade and replace equipment for the emergency 911 system, which is currently not in operation.
Page & Palette, Inc. received a $36,100 grant to purchase and install energy efficient windows and doors, four HVAC systems, additional insulation and tankless water heaters at a facility in Baldwin County.
The Monroe County Gin Company, Inc. received a $204,817 Grant to purchase and install energy efficient lighting and cotton gin drying equipment.
The Cottage House Inc. received a $81,219 grant to purchase a refrigerated truck and pallet jack to help 20 small, minority growers transport their produce to processing plants.
Bobby’s Grocery and Service Station, Inc. received a $18,367 grant to purchase and install an energy efficient HVAC system, improve the lighting and install a heat recovery system.
Suds City, LLC received a $56,257 grant to purchase and install energy efficient washers, dryers, water heaters, lighting and insulation at Suds City in Evergreen.
The Max Oil Company Inc. received a $46,094 grant to purchase and install an HVAC system and energy-efficient lighting at locations in Evergreen and Greenville.
Health Actions, P.A. received a $28,802 grant to purchase and install an energy efficient HVAC system and LED lighting at Health Actions physical therapy clinic in Jackson.
Fabco Equipment Company, Inc. received a $2,500,000 loan to refinance and remodel a hotel in Oxford.
Hendrix Tractor Company, Inc. got a $24,246 grant to purchase and install energy efficient HVAC systems, waste oil heaters and improve lighting at locations in Escambia and Monroe Counties.
The Cullman Heritage Funeral Home received a $63,665 grant to purchase, and install solar panels.
The Community Foundation of Northeast Alabama received a $89,000 grant to provide technical assistance for faculty and nursing students partnering with KidCheck Plus, to provide health screenings to children in Perry and Dallas Counties.
Rainbow Omega, Inc. received a $84,681 grant to construct a full-service retail garden center, and curb market, enhancing current greenhouse operations in Eastaboga.
The City of Geneva received a $43,000 grant to identify and evaluate commercial and industrial sites.
Arsenal Place, Inc. received a $125,000 grant to renovate a building in Selma that can be used for conferences, workshops and business offices.
Pike County Economic Development Corporation received a $80,000 grant to establish a revolving loan fund to assist small and emerging businesses.
The Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission received a $100,000 grant to assist with the purchase of an HVAC system for a commercial building in Camden.
Congresswoman Terri Sewell is the first Black woman to represent Alabama in the US Congress, and is currently the only Democrat.
