Projects Support Rural Public Works Departments and Emergency Response Services
STEVENS POINT, Wis., Nov. 22, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Julie Lassa announced that USDA is investing $222 million to build and improve critical community facilities in 44 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. This community infrastructure funding will benefit nearly 2.5 million people in rural communities. It also includes $132 million to support health care, food security, and emergency response services for more than 850,000 rural residents in 37 states.
“USDA is committed to helping rural communities access resources and services they need to live happy and healthy lives filled with opportunity,” Lassa said. “These investments will help ensure that Wisconsinites have access to emergency response resources and critical infrastructure that will help them build back better and stronger.”
USDA is investing in 536 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program throughout the country. The assistance will fund essential community services that will help keep rural America resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The projects will finance emergency response vehicles and equipment; build or improve hospitals and clinics; and combat food insecurity.
In Wisconsin:
- The Town of Wabeno will use a $125,000 grant to provide additional financing to construct a town garage/public works building funded in 2020. The existing facility is dilapidated and outdated, lacks the space for current and future needs and is in a residential area between two parks. The new facility would be located on the edge of town near the recycling center and salt building which will allow for a larger building with more space for vehicles/equipment, an office, restroom and mechanical room. The Town serves 1,166 residents.
- The City of Portage will use a $100,000 grant to purchase a fire truck for the fire department. The fire department serves 10,254 residents in the City of Portage, four area townships (Caledonia, Fort Winnebago, Lewiston and Pacific) and a regional HazMat response team equipped for Type III responses. Due to its age, the city plans to replace Engine 8 that has been assigned to reserve status as the last unit out for response. Engine 8's age has made maintenance, repair and required pumping certification unattainable due to its obsolescence.
- The Village of Boyceville will use a $16,000 grant to purchase a law enforcement vehicle and equipment. The police department has two squad cars that are used to patrol and respond to emergencies within the village and to respond to calls in surrounding areas to assist the Dunn County Sheriff's office as needed. One vehicle is almost 10 years old, in need of costly repairs and nearing the end of its service life. This project will replace the 2011 sedan. The Village serves 1,086 residents.
Background:
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. For more information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants for a detailed overview of the application process.
Today’s investments complement the recently announced funding available under USDA’s Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program, which also is being administered through the Community Facilities program. Through this program, USDA is making up to $500 million available through the American Rescue Plan to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, health care services and nutrition assistance.
Under the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program, Recovery Grant applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds all are expended. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/erhc.
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, Tribal and high-poverty areas.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact our Wisconsin USDA Rural Development office at 715-345-7600 or wi-rd-stateoffice@usda.gov or visit our website www.rd.usda.gov/wi. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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