USDA Announces $1 Million Investment for Bernardston During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week

This Investment Will Help Provide Critical Infrastructure for a Community of 2,102 Residents

Amherst, Mass., April 15, 2026 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Southern New England State Director Christopher Lyon announced the Town of Bernardston will receive $1 million to acquire land and buildings needed to build the Bernardston fire station. The announcement comes during National Public Safety Telecommunicators week.

"During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, I am delighted to announce this critical investment in Bernardston's fire and safety infrastructure," said Lyon. "This funding strengthens our commitment to protecting residents and ensuring every family in Bernardston has a safer place to call home."

The investment comes in the form of a USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Grant and provides the Town of Bernardston with $1 million toward the total purchase price of $1.6 million for a commercial parcel located at 167 Northfield Road in Bernardston. The land comes with an existing 5,472 square feet service garage building that was built in 1983. The large bays of the garage are designed for trucks and can be re-purposed to house fire engines and other firefighting vehicles and equipment. The seller will provide some necessary modifications to the interior layout that includes areas for equipment storage, training rooms, and office space.

USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These investments strengthen critical community infrastructure, enhance quality of life and help rural towns attract and retain businesses and services. To learn more about these programs, contact Community Programs Director, Joseph DelBove at [email protected].

For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making investment data accessible to the public. Learn more online at www.rd.usda.gov, subscribe to GovDelivery updates and follow us on X at @RD_SNE.

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