Agriculture Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today visited the construction site of a new health care facility and announced funding to build ambulance stations in Boone County.
“Both health care and public safety facilities are opportunities to boost the local economy”, said Mensah. “I am here today to meet with community leaders, first responders, medical professionals and some of our partners in the private sector to talk about the importance of these new additions to the community and the role that Rural Development plays in ensuring its success.”
Boone Memorial Hospital received a $31.8 million Rural Development loan to build the 50,000 square foot, state-of-the-art hospital. The facility is expected to open in 2016.
While in Boone County, Mensah announced a $1.8 million loan to the Boone County Ambulance Authority to purchase property, construct two new ambulance stations, renovate an existing building for use as an ambulance station, and purchase public safety equipment.
Also participating in the certificate presentation event and tour was USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Lewis. "We are excited to welcome Under Secretary Mensah to West Virginia," said Lewis. "Today we have an opportunity to share with her some of the exciting projects that are occurring in rural West Virginia." In Fiscal Year 2014, USDA Rural Development invested approximately $330 million in rural communities across West Virginia. Lewis added, "We know that these investments make a difference in the lives of local people."
Today’s funding announcement was made through Rural Development’s Community Facilities program. USDA's Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and / or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment and pay related project expenses
USDA Rural Development is dedicated to improving the quality of life in rural communities across the nation. During 2014, the agency invested $330 million in rural West Virginia. For more information on Rural Development funding opportunities in West Virginia, click here.
President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his 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.