USDA Rural Development Community Programs Director Sháne Hastings announced investments to improve rural community infrastructure, provide essential services and improve access to health care across rural Kansas through Rural Development’s Community Facilities (CF) program. Today’s investments in health facilities and support for first responders comes as the department celebrates National Rural Health Week.
“USDA offers critical financing to rural Kansas communities to improve essential services for rural Kansas residents,” said Hastings. “With federal financing assistance, these communities are improving the quality of life for their residents and creating communities that are built to last.”
USDA's Community Facilities program provides loans and grants for essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes.
In Kansas, USDA Rural Development award more than $11.7 million in financing for 12 community projects.
- City of Lindsborg
Lindsborg, KS
$650,000 Community Facility Direct Loan
Funds will be used to construct a new Emergency Medical Services (EMS) facility located in the City of Lindsborg. The new building will provide adequate space for the EMS staff, equipment, and emergency vehicles, which includes fire trucks and ambulances.
- Cheyenne County Commission
St. Francis, KS
$8,500 Community Facility Grant
Funds will be used to purchase a generator for the Cheyenne County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department located in St. Francis, Kansas.
- City of Green
Green, KS
$9,600 Community Facility Grant
Funds will be used to purchase and install a new storm warning siren for the City of Green.
- City of Kingman
Kingman, KS
$5,000 Community Facility Grant
Funds will be used to purchase equipment for the city’s fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and police departments including: new boots for 23 firefighters, seven sets of new body armor for police officers, and an extricating saw for the EMS department.
- Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas
Norton, KS
$25,000 Community Facility Grant
Funds will be used to renovate an existing developmental group home in Norton, Kansas. Building renovations will include new floor covering, handicap bath tubs, light fixtures, appliances, cabinets, and a stair lift.
- Elk County Commission
Howard, KS
$25,000 Community Facility Grant
Funds will be used to purchase a new patrol vehicle for the Elk County Sheriff’s Department.
- Hodgeman County Commission
Jetmore, KS
$119,400 Community Facility Direct Loan, $42,900 Community Facility Grant
Funds will be used to purchase a new ambulance and two new cots for the county’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Department.
- Minneola District Hospital No. 2
Minneola, KS
$9,000,000 Community Facility Direct Loan
Funds will be used to remodel the Minneola District Hospital and to construct an addition to the hospital. The hospital addition will allow the clinic, physical therapy, administration, and the acute care unit to expand. The hospital will also remodel the imaging, pharmacy, laboratory, business office, and medical records departments.
- Riley County Rural Fire District No. 1
Manhattan, KS
$650,000 Community Facility Loan
Funds will be used to construct a new 6,125 square-foot fire station for Riley County Rural Fire District #1.
- Rock City Inc.
Minneapolis, KS
$20,000 Community Facility Direct Loan
Funds will be used to install a new ADA-complaint concrete restroom located at a National Landmark/Museum in rural Ottawa County.
- The Guidance Center Inc.
Leavenworth, KS
$1,121,600 Community Facility Direct Loan
Funds will be used to renovate and expand the existing mental health facility located in Oskaloosa, Kansas. The new facility will house evaluation and consultation offices, staff offices, meeting rooms, after school areas, and support space for the staff and patients.
- Twin Valley Developmental Services
Greenleaf, KS
$40,000 Community Facility Loan and $25,000 Community Facility Grant
Funds will be used to purchase five passenger vehicles to replace older models that are currently being used by Twin Valley Developmental Services.
Since 2009, USDA has awarded $9.7 billion under its Community Facilities programs, including $4.9 billion for 1,052 health care projects; $266 million for improvements to 206 public schools; $133 million for 555 libraries; $39 million for 240 day care centers; and $791 million to support 4,876 public safety facilities in rural areas.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $213 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
Further information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by calling (785) 271-2700, or by visiting the agency’s website at http://www.rd.usda.gov/ks