USDA Rural Development South Dakota Acting State Director Bruce Jones today announced that funding is available to assist rural communities with their infrastructure needs.
Does your community need to buy, build, or improve a public-service project? We may be able to help. USDA Rural Development offers a number of programs providing long-term fixed rate financing for projects that improve infrastructure, support public health and safety, or promote economic development.
“Stable infrastructure and modern facilities play a key role in the economic vitality of rural communities – attracting new businesses, retaining population and providing opportunities for rural growth,” said Jones.
Community Programs offer direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to develop or improve essential public services and facilities in communities across rural America. These amenities help increase the competitiveness of rural communities in attracting and retaining businesses that provide employment and services for their residents.
For example, in 2015, Java Fire District purchased a fire truck with the assistance of a $34,850 grant from USDA Rural Development’s Community Facility program. A new fire truck will ensure that the fire rescue team in Java has the resources and tools to continue to provide the residents with fast response times.
Water and Waste Disposal Loans & Grants are available that provide funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
For example, in 2015, the City of Hosmer was able to rehabilitate the collection system, replace the lift station, remove the Imhoff tank, and reconstruct the lagoon thanks to a $1,149,999 loan and a $2,506,000 grant from USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal program. The upgrades will ensure the Hosmer and surrounding areas have access to clean, safe, and reliable water resources.
For more information, contact the Rural Development office nearest you. You can locate an office by visiting http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices/sd. Visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services for information on all Rural Development’s programs.
Since 2009, USDA Rural Development (@USDARD) has invested nearly $13 billion to start or expand nearly 112,000 rural businesses; helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes; and funded nearly 9,200 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities. USDA also has invested $31.3 billion in 963 electric projects that have financed more than 185,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines serving 4.6 million rural residents. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/results.