The city of Prairie View was awarded funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Office of Rural Development that will help to spur economic development and purchase a new pumper truck.
The City of Prairie View’s Economic Development Corporation 4B was awarded $54,000 to establish a small business re-lending program that will provide micro-loans to local small businesses.
An application review team comprised of personnel from PVAMU’s Small Business Development Center, the College of Business and the city will make recommendations as to which business operations should be funded. As the funds are paid back they will be made available for re-lending to new applicants.
“This is a monumental step for us,” said Prairie View Mayor Frank Jackson. "It will encourage entrepreneurship and economic development.”
“The funding exemplifies what can be accomplished when government works with businesses, local officials and rural residents,” said Judy Canales, Deputy Under Secretary for USDA Rural Development. “Ultimately these projects will help strengthen Prairie View and improve the quality of life for its residents.”
The Prairie View Volunteer Fire Department received $395,800 to purchase a new Class A Pumper that will enhance the fire fighting and emergency services for their assigned service area which includes PVAMU. The administration of PVAMU, including President George C. Wright and Senior Vice President Corey S. Bradford played a major role in making this acquisition possible.
USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Judy Canales, Rural Development State Director, Paco Valentin, Ronnie Lawrence-Area Director USDA, Rural Development and PVAMU alumna Monica Pierre, Assistant Area Director Huntsville Area Office USDA, Rural Development Huntsville Area Office were all on hand to make the award.
The funds distributed to the city were a part of over $2.8 million given to three recipients in Waller County.
