WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDARD) has awarded a $37,500 grant to the town of Union Bridge in Carroll County for a one-ton plow and dump truck to be used as a public works vehicle and snow plow.

“Rural Marylanders deserve to have roads that are smooth in the summer and clear in the winter, and this federal grant will help ensure that those who live in western Carroll County have both,” U.S. Senator Ben Cardin said. “USDA investments like these in our local communities promote productivity and public safety.”

“USDA Rural Development grants and loans have a profound effect on Maryland and our rural communities,” U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski said. “These funds in the federal checkbook will ensure the residents of Union Bridge are better prepared when severe weather strikes. By investing in Carroll County’s highways and byways, we are investing in the safety and security of Maryland families and businesses.”

The USDA Rural Development grant program was created to improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. The program helps support essential services and infrastructure improvements, and promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools. It has a $181.1 billion portfolio of loans and will administer $38 billion in loans, loan guarantees and grants through our programs in the current fiscal year.

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