The Town of Portland was presented a $433,100 ceremonial check from the United States Department of Agriculture.

            The Rural Development funding package is composed of a $413,100 loan and a $20,000 grant.  Funding for the new garage also included $45,000 from the New York State legislature and $186,900 from the Town.

            “This funding will be used to provide central storage and protection for the essential equipment necessary to keep the roads in Portland clean and safe,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “Through this team effort, between federal, state and local governments, we are able to make this project happen.”

            “Helping rural communities provide essential government services for their residents is the sole purpose of our Community Facilities program,” said State Director Brennan. “This new highway garage will help Portland protect the investment it has made in equipment, while improving service.” 

            “I would like to thank USDA Rural Development, Congressman Brian Higgins, State Senator Cathy Young, and Assemblyman Bill Parment for their help in making this Highway garage a reality,” said Portland Town Supervisor Daniel F. Schrantz. “Being a small community with 60 miles of roads it is very important to protect the investment we have in highway equipment (over $600,000 -- to replace this equipment new would cost over $1.2 million.) So it is very important to get the most life we can from the equipment in order to help us keep our taxes as low as possible and still maintain our roadways.”           

            USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. In fiscal year 2007, USDA Rural Development invested more than $262 million in New York, raising its total investment in the state to more than $1.5 billion since 2001. Further information on rural programs is available by contacting the State Office at (315) 477-6400 or by visiting USDA's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ny.