AULANDER – There’s good news for residents of Aulander.

The town now has a new garbage truck through a combination grant and loan from USDA Rural Development.

The agency awarded the town a $50,000 grant and approved a low interest rate, long-term $79,000 loan to purchase a brand new 2007 International Garbage Truck.

Formerly, the town relied on three outdated trucks, which needed frequent repairs, to serve the town’s 600 homes and businesses.

&uot;This new vehicle will allow the Sanitation Department to more efficiently serve the residents of the town,&uot; stated a press release from the USDA.

Due to Aulander’s small tax base, the town was unable to come up with the funds to purchase a new truck on their own.

That problem was what made them eligible for USDA Rural Development assistance.

&uot;We are very pleased to have this new truck. It’s a big deal for us,&uot; Aulander Mayor Joe Jernigan told the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald.

A loan closing ceremony was held in downtown Aulander on October 10, and the new truck was unveiled at that time.

The truck is expected to begin service immediately.