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USDA Invests $1 Billion to Improve Community Infrastructure for People Living in Rural Towns Across the Country

Name
Miguel A. Ramirez
Phone
City
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Release Date

Puerto Rico received $ 3,391,424 to Purchase Emergency Response Vehicle and Equipment

 

                                        Versión en Español aquí

 

San Juan, Puerto Rico January 27, 2022 – USDA Deputy Secretary Dr. Jewel Bronaugh today announced that USDA is investing $1 billion to build and improve critical community facilities in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Guam. This infrastructure funding will increase access to health care, education and public safety while spurring community development and building sound infrastructure for people living in rural communities.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has made investing in infrastructure improvements a top priority,” Bronaugh said. “These loans and grants will help rural communities invest in facilities and services that are vital to all communities, such as health care facilities, schools, libraries, and first responder vehicles and equipment. When we invest in essential services in rural America, we build opportunity and prosperity for the people who call rural communities’ home.”

Bronaugh highlighted 731 projects that USDA is making in five programs that will fund essential community services to help rural America build back better, stronger and more equitably than ever before. These programs include Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants, Community Facilities Loan Guarantees, Community Facilities Technical Assistance Training Grants, Community Facilities Disaster Grants, and Economic Impact Initiative Grants. 

 

Luis R. García, Acting State Director for USDA Rural Development Puerto Rico indicated that the municipality of Toa Baja obtained a low interest Community Facility Direct loan of $3,391,424. These funds will be used to finance emergency response vehicles and equipment.

More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies and nonprofit organizations, Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program.

 

Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB) for a detailed overview of the application process.

 

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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 and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our page.  You can follow us in our Twitter Account @RD_PuertoRico.

 

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