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USDA Helps Improve Essential Services for Rural Illinois Residents

Name
Kate O'Hara
City
Champaign
Release Date

USDA Rural Development State Director for Illinois Douglas Wilson today announced that USDA, through its Community Facilities Direct Loan Program,  invested in nine projects to provide essential services in rural Illinois in Fiscal Year 2017.

“We want our rural communities to know we are here to support their growth and prosperity,” said Wilson. “There is a strong focus on the importance of infrastructure in rural America, and we understand the ability to provide essential services is another type of critical infrastructure.”

Below are some examples of the projects USDA Rural Development helped finance in Illinois, part of nearly 400 projects announced earlier today by Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue that provide essential services for more than 7 million people in rural areas across the country.

  • Greenview Community Fire Protection District in Menard County received a $520,000 loan to build a new fire station.In addition to space for FPD trucks and equipment, and office and storage space, the facility also has a kitchen and large multi-purpose/training room available for public meetings and various community activities.

  • Pinckneyville Community Hospital in Perry County, received a $1.6 million loan to construct a 2,560 square foot building that will house their new Senior Life Solutions outpatient senior behavioral health program. The new facility will accommodate individuals with disabilities and provide additional parking and improved building entry for those with limited mobility.

  • The Village of St. Jacob in Madison County, received a $790,000 loan to replace their village hall that was built in the late 1800s. The new village hall meets current energy codes, is ADA compliant and provides additional square feet and storage area.

  • The Southern 7 Health Department received a loan of $500,000 to repair and renovate the Head Start facility in Metropolis, IL, which serves Massac County and parts of Pulaski County. As a result of the upgraded facility, the Head Start program will be able to operate in a fully accessible building and serve more students.

   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.