Lometa ISD garnered a $40,000 grant to purchase a bus for its after-school program. Pictured are, from left, Jodell Brooks, district representative for Congressman Mike Conaway; Lometa ISD Board President Tommy Maddox; Lometa Superintendent David Rice; and USDA Rural Development area director Johnny Smith. USDA Rural Development Area Director Johnny Smith recently presented a ceremonial check to the Lometa Independent School District for a $40,000 Community Facility Grant to assist in the purchase of a new 77-passenger school bus.

“USDA Rural Development is committed to providing assistance to rural towns and communities to help them provide valuable services to their residents,” said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development state director.

“This is a great example of how USDA Rural Development can provide funding for a community facility that will in turn use the assistance to enhance the lives of its rural citizens.”

The 77-passenger bus will replace an unreliable bus used by the Lometa ISD, the Rural Development official said. The new bus will become an integral part of the Texas 21st Century Community Learning Center, as it will be used to transport students from Lometa’s after-school program and to various activities.

The bus will provide safe transportation across railroad tracks and parts of major highways leading to the school, he added.

To date for 2010, a total of $959,499 in Community Facility Grants has been obligated throughout Texas. Funds are used to enhance the quality of life for residents of rural areas by providing the means for construction, expansion or enhancement of community facilities, telecommunication or distance education programs, and water and waste disposal systems.