Nebraska’s rural communities received $163.3 million in USDA Rural Development funding in federal fiscal year 2015. USDA Rural Development’s investment in rural Nebraska now totals nearly $3 billion, according to Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul.
“Nebraska communities, businesses and citizens invested millions of dollars in fiscal year 2015, with the support and resources of USDA Rural Development,” said Moul. “Our Nebraska staff strives each year to utilize the financial resources available through USDA Rural Development to help build stronger rural communities throughout the state.”
Rural Development programs assist in funding for rural housing, business and community development, water and waste water, energy, distance learning and telemedicine, electric companies and telecommunications.
USDA Rural Development partners with non-profits, private and community foundations, counties, municipalities, Native American tribes and state and other local governments to provide additional funding to projects.
Highlights of Fiscal Year 2015 Nebraska Rural Development Funding include:
Housing:
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$105 million in guaranteed and direct loans that assisted 1,056 rural families in becoming homeowners.
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$5.8 million provided to 1,811 tenants in Rural Development multi-family rural rental housing complexes with affordable rents.
Community:
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$15 million in guaranteed and direct loans for new ambulances, libraries, renovations and equipment, community centers, hospital renovations, roof and building expansions.
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$10.9 million for safe, potable drinking water and sanitary wastewater disposal systems for rural residents.
Business:
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$9 million in loan guarantees to lenders who assisted rural businesses that helped to create and maintain employment, and to expand and improve the economic climate.
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$2.5 million for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects funded through the 9007 Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), advanced biofuel payments and energy audit and renewable energy development assistance.
Electric:
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$8 million in an electric loan was awarded to the Midwest Electric Member Corp., headquartered at Grant, NE. This funding will provide improved electric service to approximately 6,000 rural Nebraska residents.
Telecommunications:
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$4.2 million through a telecommunications loan to Glenwood Network Services (GNS) helped approximately 352 subscribers with increased Broadband availability throughout the Lemoyne and Keystone exchanges including Lake McConaughy.
Visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/ne/ for the full Nebraska Progress Review.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.