U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

USDA Announces Loan and Grant Dollars Available to Rural Utilities

Name
Vicki Schurman
City
Lincoln
Release Date

USDA Rural Development State Director Maxine Moul announces $38.6 million in loans and $9.2 million in grants are available nationally to promote rural economic development and job creation projects.  Applications for these funds will be accepted through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program.

“One of USDA Rural Development’s missions is to provide assistance that will increase the economic conditions of rural communities,” said Moul.  “The funds will be used to help promote start up, expansion and business incubators etc. to promote job creation.”

Eligible applicants include USDA Rural Development electric and telephone program borrowers.  Municipal utilities offering electric services may be eligible for the grant funds.

Completed applications must be received in USDA Rural Development Offices no later than 4:30 pm CT on the last business day of each month for both paper and electronic applications   Grant applications may be submitted through Grants.gov http://www.grants.gov.  For additional information on how to apply, see the March 11, 2015 Federal Register, page 12795 or visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-economic-development-loan-grant-program.

 To discuss applicant or project eligibility please contact one of the following Business Program Specialists.

* Marla Marx, marla.marx@ne.usda.gov or 308-632-2195 extension 1132 – panhandle and southwest counties

* Kelley Messenger, kelley.messenger@ne.usda.gov or 308-237-3118 extension 1120 – north and south central counties

* Bill Sheppard, bill.sheppard@ne.usda.gov  or 402-371-5350 extension 1004 – northeast and southeast counties

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, business and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.  President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for business, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.