Press Releases

Luzerne County, PA – On Thursday, Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-o8) announced new federal funding to support the Ashley Borough Police Department and keep Luzerne County residents safe.

The Ashley Borough Police Department will receive an $18,100 federal grant to replace a 3-liter, all-wheel-drive vehicle that was totaled earlier this year. The vehicle will be used by the Drug Task Force at DUI checkpoints and to assist other local police departments.

“It’s a good day when the folks who keep our residents and businesses safe receive federal funding,” said Rep. Matt Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “That’s why I’m a strong advocate for the USDA programs that ensure our communities have what they need to maintain a good quality of life and promote a healthy business climate.”

The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program, which provides funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas.

The program is managed through the USDA’s Rural Development division, which is committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural America through loans and grants that support improvements in infrastructure, business development, housing, and community facilities, such as schools, public safety, and health care.

This year, the USDA invested nearly $12 million to improve public facilities in 17 states, benefiting more than 200,000 rural Americans.