TEMPLE, TX, July 15, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $153 million to build and improve critical community facilities to benefit nearly two million rural residents in 23 states. State Director Edd Hargett announced this includes two projects in Texas totaling $2 million.
“USDA Rural Development is pleased to provide this funding to rural communities in Texas,” said Hargett. “By utilizing the community facilities programs, projects such as these provide citizens modern and reliable infrastructure.”
Background:
USDA is investing in 94 projects 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 investments in Texas are:
Coleman County Medical Center District is receiving a $1.6 million loan to add an addition and make renovations to improve the hospital facility. The project will renovate the 1967 building to accommodate hospital support services such as administration billing, medical records, purchasing, maintenance, etc. With the exception of physical therapy, all patient-care functions will be relocated to the new addition. The new addition will be located west of, and will be connected to, the existing 1967 structure.
Mathis Economic Development Corporation will use a $391,000 loan and $50,000 grant to purchase diagnostic medical equipment and to complete renovations to existing buildings to provide a community health clinic for the residents of Mathis. Currently, the closest physician office is 15-20 miles away and the nearest hospital is located 30-35 miles away. Once renovations are completed, this community health clinic will provide residents and the surrounding communities with accessible local health care.
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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