Hillsborough-based Piedmont Electric recently facilitated a $376,000 zero-interest loan, which will fund a new fire truck for the Timberlake Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department in Person County. The loan is funded from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.
“This apparatus is greatly needed to replace the current aging one, which costs our department significantly in maintenance,” explained Chief Jason Fletcher. “We plan to utilize the apparatus as our primary response within our district, which includes, but not limited to, structure fires, fire alarms, and motor vehicle accidents.”
Taking the place of their 1988 FMC Pumper, the new pumper tanker will better aid the all-volunteer department in their fire and medical emergency calls throughout their 38.79 square mile fire district.
“We are proud to work with the Timberlake Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department to improve the quality of life in one of our communities,” said Piedmont Electric President and CEO Steve Hamlin. “Piedmont Electric has a unique opportunity to be able to support our community far beyond our electric service by facilitating these zero-interest USDA REDLG loans.”
Since 2013, North Carolina’s electric cooperatives have channeled more than $67 million in USDA Rural Economic Development loans and grants to community projects across the state.