The Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association (WCCTA) was awarded $300,000 by the U.S Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development grant program to assisting with funding for a new ambulance service station in southwest Webster County. The Southwest Webster Ambulance (SWWA) has been fundraising since 2021 to cover construction costs for a new 50’x70’x16’ facility, to accommodate the newer and larger ambulances of the present that were not developed in 1970’s when the original building was built. CEO and General Manager of WCCTA Marcie Boerner (Burner) says the $300,000 grant is provided by the USDA and the Rural Utility Service specifically funded to utility services to assist in rural development.
With the $300,000 grant from USDA and a $60,000 donation from WCCTA, the SWWA is a lot closer to the $450,000 price tag for the project. Boerner says this opportunity is really a win-win for the organizations.
Construction of the new facility is expected to beginning sometime this spring. Boerner says WCCTA is proud to be able to continue assisting with community projects and promote a much-needed service for the area.
Once the new ambulance building is complete, SWWA will be donating the existing facility to the City of Gowrie, which plans for it to be utilized as a police station.
