USDA Rural Development State Director Grant Menke announced that the department is investing $29,137,000 in rural community facilities benefitting more than 2000 Iowans.
“Expanding and improving essential community facilities can have a transformational impact on rural Iowa, and that’s why these key projects at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital and Delhi Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders are worthy of celebration,” said Grant Menke, State Director of USDA Rural Development in Iowa. “These USDA Rural Development investments will bring significant quality of life benefits to the people of Lake City, Delhi, and their surrounding areas, and we are proud to be a partner on this progress.”
“Rural America needs safe, modern infrastructure to help residents and businesses achieve greater prosperity and have access to essential services,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner with rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Background:
USDA is investing in two projects in Iowa through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The investments can be used to build or upgrade a wide-range of rural community facilities such as schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities. The Iowa projects funded are:
Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City, Iowa, is receiving a $29 million loan to build a 24,000-square-foot addition to the emergency department and rehabilitation services area. The expansion will include a helipad and improvements to hospital spaces, the receiving dock, the main entrance, and administrative offices.
Delhi Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders in Delhi, Iowa, is receiving $100,000 loan and a $37,000 grant to purchase a fire truck and related equipment. This will replace a fire truck that is over 20 years old. The new fire truck will help the volunteer fire department to better serve the community and the surrounding rural areas.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.
Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB), a detailed overview of the application process.
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, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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