USDA Helped Improve Essential Services for 7 Million Rural Residents in 2017
Funding Supports Schools, Libraries, Municipal Centers, First Responder Vehicles and Equipment, Other Community Needs
WASHINGTON, Jan. 30, 2018 – Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that USDA invested in nearly 400 projects to provide essential services for more than 7 million people in rural areas across the country in Fiscal Year 2017.
“Partnering with our small towns and cities to support essential services that rural residents need is one way USDA is facilitating prosperity in rural America,” Perdue said. “USDA’s investments will help communities significantly improve their schools, hospitals and public safety facilities, and improve the quality of life.”
Denise Lovelady, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Maryland and Delaware, endorsed the economic benefits of investment in rural infrastructure across the region. “Long-term targeted investment in rural infrastructure means more jobs, more commerce, and greater innovation in rural America,” Lovelady explained.
USDA infused $1.5 billion into rural areas in 2017 through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program for projects such as schools, libraries, municipal centers, first responder vehicles and equipment, social service buildings, recreational activities and other community needs. These investments are helping nearly 7 million rural residents.
In Fiscal Year 2017, USDA supported projects in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Below are some examples of projects in Delaware and Maryland that USDA helped finance:
• The Commissioners of Ridgely will use a $1 million loan to improve Ridgely’s Town Hall to complete ADA-compliant public restrooms and make exterior improvements. Funds will also help upgrade the facility’s fire alarms, emergency exits, and lighting.
• Dorchester American Legion Post No. 91, a Veterans Service Organization, received a $600,000 loan to restore, renovate, and expand their existing facility. Improvements including making the facility ADA compliant, replacing interior finishes, constructing new meeting space, and more. This full service conference venue is available for use by the general public.
• A $250,000 loan will help the Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce purchase a new facility to house their office and the Sussex County Visitor Center. This facility will serve as a starting point for visitors and tourists exploring greater Georgetown and Sussex County providing hospitality and promoting local businesses.
• Delaware Military Academy received a $5.5 million loan to expand their campus to accommodate their growing student population. Funds will help construct a new multi-purpose facility that will include a gymnasium, science lab, 6-8 classrooms, and offices.
• CAMP Rehoboth Properties, LLC received a $2.6 million loan to purchase its 5,000 sq. ft. community center facility. A part of downtown Rehoboth Beach for over 25 years, this community center serves local residents and tourists with a multitude of activities, events, and programs. It provides space for health screenings and counseling services, as well as, artistic expression and community recreational activities.
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, which included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. 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. In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic.
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 services 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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