U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD) program has approved a $41,523 grant for the Leslie County Sheriff’s Department to purchase two police vehicles. These funds will allow public safety officials in Leslie County to provide adequate protection and emergency services for the rural population of 12,401.

“Our law enforcement officials needs safe, fully-equipped and reliable transportation to respond to emergencies and get to the scene on time,” said Rogers. “I continue to be impressed by the valuable partnerships forged between the USDA and the rural communities in our region of southern and eastern Kentucky, and this investment by USDA-RD will go a long way towards speeding response times and increasing public safety in Leslie County.”

The USDA-RD Economic Impact Initiative is funding the purchase of a Ford Police Interceptor vehicle and a Ford Expedition for the Leslie County Sheriff’s Department. In 2008, Leslie County Sheriff’s Department received a similar grant of $18,676 for the purchase of a police car. Economic Impact Initiative Grants are awarded to rural communities that are experiencing economic difficulty. The purpose of the grant is to provide for community needs, such as police vehicles, road maintenance equipment, and municipal buildings.

Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.