SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa, Sept. 24, 2020 – The Trump Administration today helped cut the ribbon at Lakes Regional Healthcare’s new 6,950 square foot medical clinic addition and 12,985 square foot clinic and hospital remodel. This Northwest Iowa project was made possible by an $8 million investment through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Community Facilities Direct Loan Program in 2018.
“Rural America relies on safe, modern community facilities to ensure access to essential services such as health care, education and public safety,” said USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand, who was on-site at Lakes Regional Healthcare to participate in the event. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner with rural communities in building healthier and stronger futures, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Lakes Regional Healthcare used an $8 million USDA Rural Development Community Facility Direct Loan to build a medical clinic addition, purchase a new entrance canopy, remodel large sections of the clinic and hospital, and update mechanical and electrical systems at its facility in Spirit Lake. The remodel and changes are allowing the hospital to improve patient flow and operations as well as increase efficiency of staff and equipment usage.
Background:
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program 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 Iowa office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. More information is available at USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program webpage.
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 http://www.rd.usda.gov/ia or call (515) 284-4663.
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