NORWICH – The Norwich Common Council will take up a motion Tuesday to proceed with a funding application for federal grants and low interest loans to help replace necessary vehicles and equipment in various departments.

The Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, administered by the United Stated Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD), provides funding to maintain essential community facilities in rural areas. According to Norwich officials, funding through the program could also be used to replace some of the city’s crucial emergency vehicles at the Norwich Fire Department.