USDA Rural Development Utah State Director Randy Parker today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $1,405,000 in two healthcare projects in the state of Utah.
“Healthcare infrastructure is a vital base for any community, but especially for rural ones,” Parker said. “Improving access to clinics and specialized care ensures people in all our cities and towns can address their most urgent needs, including – and especially – those related to the opioid epidemic.”
USDA is supporting these quality-of-life projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, investing in two rural Utah heath care facilities:
- The Bear Lake Community Health Center, Inc., in Brigham City, Utah, is receiving a $405,000 loan to purchase a medical facility building. Bear Lake serves a large rural population in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. It plans to double its Brigham City staff from five to 10 this year. Two exam rooms will be used for screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment for opioid misuse in addition to regular medical visits.
- Rocky Mountain Care Heber, LLC is receiving a $1,000,000 loan to complete construction of the Rocky Mountain Care facility in Heber City, Utah, which will serve as a skilled nursing center for rehabilitation treatment and care in this small community.
Today’s announcement is part of a nationwide funding announcement that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $237 million total in 119 rural community service facilities in 29 states.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for USDA Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally and state-recognized Native American tribes. Applicants and projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. There is no limit on the size of the loans. Loan amounts have ranged from $10,000 to $165 million.
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.