U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Hilda Legg today announced the USDA is investing over $263,000 in a project to improve the Appalachian Artisan Center’s Cody Building.
The Appalachian Artisan Center, located in Hindman, Kentucky, will use the $205,900 loan and $57,520 grant to improve the Cody Building’s usage as a community gathering area. The building complements their Master Artist-In-Residence Program, which develops apprenticeships for those in recovery programs at the Hickory Hill Rehabilitation Center and the Knott/Magoffin Drug Court. The Cody Building also has clay classrooms, exhibit areas, a community arts education program, and supports the local economy through its retail shop and gallery.
“Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA Rural Development remains committed to partnering with rural communities to bring essential facilities and services to rural communities,” said Legg. “These investments help provide a foundation for growth and prosperity that strengthens Kentucky’s overall economy.”
USDA is making the investments and has additional funding available through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program. Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for application and eligibility details. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants, a detailed overview of the application process.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for 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.
USDA will make additional funding announcements in coming weeks. Congress appropriated $2.8 billion for Community Facilities Program direct loans and grants in fiscal year 2019.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
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.