T or C receives new police cars, heavy equipment and ambulances

Truth or Consequences, NM Receives New Police Cars, Heavy Equipment and Ambulances

USDA funding used to offset the cost of the vehicles

 By United States Department of Agriculture

ALBUQUERQUE, NM April 10, 2017 – During ceremonies earlier today, USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Eric Vigil presented keys to four new police cars and a new front end loader to Steve Green the Mayor of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. Vigil also presented keys to two new ambulances to Michael Zimmerman the Chief Executive Officer of Sierra Vista Hospital.

During the ceremony Vigil stated, “Providing the funding to help purchase this equipment shows USDA Rural Development is committed to help those that live in and around Truth or Consequences.” Vigil added, “The residents of Sierra County can be assured the federal government is working hard to make sure your tax dollars are being spent wisely for projects such as these ones.”

The funding that provided the new vehicles to the City of Truth or Consequences and Sierra Vista Hospital comes from USDA Rural Development’s Community Facility (CF) program and the Economic Impact Initiative Grant (EIIG) program. Both programs provide affordable financial support to pay for essential community projects in rural areas. This money can be used for projects including; the construction of public safety buildings such as fire and police stations and prisons. The funding can also be used to purchase police cars, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment.

The City of Truth or Consequences received a $81,810 CF program grant to offset the cost to purchase a front end loader and equipment for the City’s Streets Department.  The city also provided matching funds to help buy the heavy equipment. The new front end loader replaces an old 1993 Cat Loader whose motor has been replaced once and now spends most of the time in the shop being repaired.

The City of Truth or Consequences received an EIIG program grant in the amount of $72,000 to offset the cost to buy the four new police vehicles. The City of Truth or Consequences also supplied matching funds to purchase the cars. Two of the new police cars will be assigned to supervisors with the capabilities of establishing a mobile command post. This will enable better management of critical incidents, natural disasters, crime scenes, and crimes in progress.  The vehicles are equipped with a “Command Console”, which includes radio equipment for communication with local, state and federal agencies. The cars will replace older vehicles with high mileage.

Sierra Vista Hospital received $116,230 in CF grant funds to offset the cost to purchase two new transfer ambulances and equipment.  The hospital also provided matching funds to complete the purchase of the two ambulances. When delivered the two ambulances were “operationally ready” meaning the vehicles came complete with radio equipment and patient care equipment.  The new ambulances are replacing aging vehicles with high mileage which have had major mechanical problems.

The ambulances operated by Sierra Vista Hospital are the only transporting medical transport service in Sierra County.  The ambulance service provides emergency medical response and transfer services throughout the county. The new equipment now enables the hospital to continue to perform emergency care and transport services in safe and reliable ambulances.

For more information on the Community Facilities program go to USDA Rural Development’s website located at: https://www.rd.usda.gov/nm.