Press Release

May 11, 2012
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE GRANT FOR NEW AMBULANCE TO SERVE WORCESTER CO.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that the City of Pocomoke has received a $50,000 grant and $150,000 loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development (RD) program to purchase a new ambulance. 

“Now more than ever, we need to make sure that our first responders have the resources they need to keep our families and communities safe,” said Senator Cardin.  “These brave men and women are on the front lines every day responding to emergency situations, and we must ensure that they have the equipment and training they need to perform their jobs safely and efficiently.  I support this federal investment in the safety and livelihood of Marylanders in Worcester County.”

“These federal funds will make communities safer and save lives by helping Pocomoke City purchase a new ambulance,” Senator Mikulski said. “It means residents will have increased access to trauma care.  We must do what we can to give our first responders the resources they need to keep our communities safe. Emergency response equipment is expensive. Communities shouldn’t have to shoulder that expense all on their own. Especially in these tough economic times.”

Rural Development funds will be used to purchase a new ambulance to replace an ambulance that has been in service for 10 years.  This ambulance is used along with two other units to serve lower Worcester County.  Calls for ambulance service come from an area of approximately seven square miles.  The nearest trauma hospital is 30 miles from the service area.  The long distance for each emergency call contributes to the need for additional maintenance to vehicles. 

USDA RD is committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.  They achieve their mission by helping rural individuals, communities and businesses obtain the financial and technical assistance needed to address their diverse and unique needs.

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