USDA’s Chris Beeker: ‘When rural America thrives, all of America thrives’

The Trump administration on Friday announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing almost $800,000 to help improve essential public services and facilities in Thomasville, Alabama.

According to a release, the Clarke County investments will include the City of Thomasville utilizing a $743,900 loan to renovate an 8,800 square foot historic downtown building to be used as a new Public Career Readiness Library.

The much-needed project will reportedly replace a much smaller 2,800 square foot library and allow for the career readiness center to more than double its computer space. This library is also used by underserved residents in the surrounding rural counties and is considered a major asset for growth and development for local citizens of all ages.

Additionally, the City of Thomasville is receiving a $47,000 grant to purchase three new law enforcement vehicles that will replace leased ones. The purchase will include two fully equipped 2020 Dodge Chargers and one fully equipped 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe. This investment will allow law enforcement officers to continue to provide public safety and quick response times to rural residents.

“We are excited to partner with the city of Thomasville and it’s been especially gratifying to work with Mayor Sheldon Day,” USDA Rural Development state director for Alabama Chris Beeker said in a statement.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Alabama in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives,” he concluded.

RELATED: USDA funding $6 million in upgrades to water systems in rural Alabama

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn