USDA Helped Improve Essential Services for Nearly 100,000 Rural Residents in Virginia in 2017

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Virginia Rural Development office today announced that USDA invested in 26 projects to provide essential services for nearly 100,000 people in rural areas across the state in 2017.

   “Essential services that provide access to medical services, public safety, education, and other community needs are key components to ensuring rural prosperity,” said Beth Green, USDA Rural Development Virginia State Director. “The investments announced today support the overall quality of life for residents in rural areas across the Commonwealth.”

   USDA invested more than $62 million in rural Virginia areas in 2017 through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program for projects that support investments in schools, municipal centers, first responder vehicles and equipment, social service buildings and other community needs.

   Below are some examples of projects USDA helped finance in Virginia in 2017.

• The Westmoreland County Industrial Development Authority received a $42,500,000 loan to build a new high school that will total 145,540 gross sq. ft. and serve about 800 students. There are 65 buildable acres available for the construction of the school, athletic fields, parking, and a student pick-up and drop-off area. The loan for new construction will help to replace the 85-year-old Washington and Lee High School that has the capacity to serve only 500 students, causing many to attend schools in other areas.

• The Greensville County Industrial Development Authority received a $1,660,000 loan to construct new additions to the Greensville County Sheriff’s Office. Since the office’s construction in 2002, staffing and security requirements have increased, and technologies have advanced, resulting in a need for expansion and renovations. The facility enhancements include first floor additions and increased basement space. Modifications also include an enlarged dispatch office, expansion of the IT/data control room, additional evidence storage, interrogation space, and additional offices to meet current staffing needs.

• The Town of Stuart received a $2,000,000 loan for the purchase and renovation of a building for the Stuart Volunteer Fire Department. New construction will increase office space and the storage capacity for turnout gear and radio equipment. The Town proposed to purchase and renovate the former 28,000 sq. ft. Food Lion building located on more than 15 acres of land. The fire department serves more than 1,400 residents of the Town, and the surrounding counties.

• The Town of Hillsville received two loans totaling in $81,600 to purchase a snow and ice removal machine, and police vehicles. The Town serves more than 2,600 residents.

  Below is the complete list of investments.

   Virginia is just one of many states announced today to receive funding through this program.

   This announcement comes as a part of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s national announcement today highlighting that USDA invested in nearly 400 projects to provide essential services for more than 8 million people in rural areas across the country in FY 2017.

   “Investing in the essential services that rural residents and communities need is one way USDA helps improve people’s lives,” Perdue said. “I am very proud of what we are accomplishing with our partners to ensure rural residents and communities can thrive and prosper.”

   USDA invested $1.5 billion in 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.

   To build stronger, thriving rural communities, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in April 2017 to identify how federal regulations impact agriculture and rural communities. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue was selected to chair the group, which includes 22 federal agencies as well as local leaders. Member of the task force travelled across the country, holding listening sessions and gathering recommendations from the people living and working in rural America. Earlier this month Secretary Perdue presented the task force’s findings to President Trump. They include more than 100 recommendations for the federal government to consider to restore rural prosperity.  

  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.