VIOLA – The Town of Viola recently received a new fire truck which was funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD).

Viola was one of the 70 statewide recipients of grant funds through the CDBG program, which assists communities with infrastructure improvements, health and safety initiatives and façade improvements in downtown commercial districts.

The grant totaling $166,430 allowed the town to purchase a fully-equipped, year 2000 or newer, fully certified new-to-owner 1,800-gallon pumper tanker to provide an adequate water supply to any fire in the coverage area. This new pumper tanker has less than 50,000 miles, is equipped with at least a 1250 GPM pump, and it will meet NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) standards for first due in engine regarding hose and equipment load.

The Upper Cumberland Region was awarded ten grants in the CDBG program totaling $3,868,900. The Upper Cumberland Development District assisted Viola and four other Upper Cumberland recipients in the application process totaling $1,293,900 dollars received in grant funds.

The Upper Cumberland Development District provides regional planning and assistance to the 14-county Upper Cumberland region to promote economic growth and community enhancement. Find UCDD on the web at www.ucdd.org and at facebook.com/UCDDconnect.

Pictured Left to Right:

Viola Fire Chief Jim Davenport, Representative form the Fire Truck company, Viola Mayor William Ramsey