USDA Rural Development Awards $450,000 Grant to Help the Town of Genoa, Wisconsin, Buy a New Fire Engine
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced on October 28, 2026, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, that Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson has awarded a $450,000 grant to help the town of Genoa, in Vernon County, Wisconsin, buy a new fire engine for its volunteer fire department.
"Volunteer firefighters play a vital role in protecting rural communities," Iverson said. "This new engine will help ensure the Town of Genoa Volunteer Fire Department has the tools and resources needed to keep residents safe."
The town of Genoa is using USDA's Community Facilities Program funding to replace its 30-year-old fire engine, ensuring the volunteer fire department can continue providing reliable emergency services. The program offers affordable financing for essential rural facilities that support community safety and development.
"Just because we choose to live in rural communities doesn't mean we deserve any less," said Representative Derrick Van Orden (WI-03). "Our families deserve world-class emergency services and public safety, no matter where they call home."
Van Orden said he was proud to bring the funding home to the community and to support the first responders who work to keep communities safe, adding that the people of Western Wisconsin deserve to know their voices matter and their tax dollars are coming back to make a difference.
USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. Its programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：位于威斯康星州弗农县 Genoa 镇的 Genoa 消防站，本案拨款将助其志愿消防队购置新消防车。照片：Wikideas1，CC0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / The Genoa Fire Station in the town of Genoa, Vernon County, Wisconsin; the grant in this story will help its volunteer fire department buy a new fire engine. Photo: Wikideas1, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
