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Various federal and state officials joined the U.S. Department of Agriculture North Carolina Rural Development department at a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Swan Quarter Fire Department substation on July 17. 

A 5,086 square-foot fire station will be built on a 1.07 acre site near the intersection of U.S. Highway 264 and N.C. Highway 94 in an area known as Lake Comfort. The land for the substation site was donated to the SQVFD by the Earl Pugh, Jr. family.

USDA is investing $1 million in loans and disaster grants to construct a substation and purchase fire equipment for Swan Quarter Volunteer Fire Department Inc. 

“Swan Quarter is a growing rural community. Its citizens need to know if there is an emergency, they will receive the help they need,” said Mel Ellis, USDA Rural Development Acting State Director. “The facility will house the vehicles and gear needed for many years to come.” 

The substation is needed to reduce response times and improve fire protection services to residents in the Swan Quarter area. 

The building will contain: 

• A commercial grade kitchen
• Training room
• Office spaces
• American Disabilities Act compliant bathrooms with showers 
• Bays that can facilitate four fire trucks

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care and high speed internet access in rural areas. For more information about USDA Rural Development, visit www.rd.usda.gov.