Timberlake, NC (April 28, 2020) – Timberlake Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department received a $376,000 zero-interest loan to help pay for their new pumper tanker. Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation is playing a supporting role in the purchase of the new fire truck by facilitating a loan funded from the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.
Taking the place of their 1988 FMC Pumper, this 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.
“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.”
The funds for this truck came from the USDA REDLG program facilitated by Piedmont Electric. The program provides zero-interest funds from the federal government to local electric cooperatives who in turn lend the money to local entities for projects that support rural areas.
“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 Steve Hamlin, Piedmont Electric President and CEO. “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.”
In the past several years, Piedmont Electric has secured more than $13 million in USDA funding within Person, Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville and Orange counties for fire trucks, fire stations, ambulances, schools, a public library and a Habitat for Humanity warehouse. As the funds are repaid, they are re-loaned to assist with future projects in communities served by Piedmont Electric.
Piedmont Electric is a local, member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving more than 32,000 electric accounts in Person, Alamance, Caswell, Durham, Granville and Orange counties. Piedmont Electric exists to serve our members and improve the quality of life in our communities through local employment, economic development, business engagement, youth education, grants to educators, advocacy for energy issues, community involvement, broadband connectivity and emergency preparedness support. Visit www.pemc.coop for more information.
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