Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today highlighted National Rural Health Week and said USDA provided record support in 2015 to help modernize infrastructure, provide essential services and improve access to health care across rural America.
“I am especially proud of the role that USDA played in 2015 to ensure that rural residents have access to affordable, high-quality health care,” Vilsack said. “The 2015 fiscal year, which ended September 30, was a banner year for USDA’s Community Facilities Program. We provided a record amount of support for services such as child care, schools, libraries, health care and other types of infrastructure that rural residents and businesses need.” ‘
Secretary Vilsack’s announcement comes as USDA and a coalition of private, federal, state and local partners celebrate National Rural Health Week to bring attention to the unique health care needs of rural communities.
José Otero-García, Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico indicated that USDA provided a record of $14,077,722 for 21 projects in Puerto Rico. For example, Rural Development awarded a loan in the amount of $1,965,800 to Hogar Lucero del Alba, Inc. for an Elderly Care Center in Toa Alta; $2,998,987 to Colegio de Aprendizaje y Desarrollo Educativo Integrado, Inc. for a School in Moca; $1,556,817 to the Municipality of Utuado for a Rural Health Care Center; $1,507,000 to the Municipality of San Sebastián for a Community & Fine Arts Center and $148,210 to the Municipality of Comerío to expand the municipal cemetery. These projects are for the benefit of rural communities in Puerto Rico.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.
For additional information please, contact Miguel A. Ramírez, Public Affairs Coordinator at (787) 766-5095 ext. 155 or visit our web www.rd.usda.gov/pr .