$1 million in USDA funding assisted with the project in Howard County
DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 30, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced the completion of a hospital expansion project partially financed by USDA. The leadership team of Regional Health Services of Howard County held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the facility addition in the northeast Iowa community of Cresco.
“USDA is there to assist rural communities as they thrive and grow,” said Director Greenfield. “When rural areas need an ambulance, or medical equipment, or a hospital construction project, USDA rural development funding can make the difference—promoting greater access to health care and strengthening rural Iowa communities.” Audio: MP3, 17 sec., 142 KB
In April of 2022, USDA Rural Development funded a $1 million grant to help to support the construction project. The financing was designed to allow the medical center to expand the existing facility by 3,900 square-feet, creating more exam rooms, nurse stations, offices, and a procedure room. The expansion proactively prepares the facility for a future pandemic event and long-term healthcare sustainability. This addition increases access to medical services for Howard County residents and residents of surrounding communities.
Background
This investment was funded through the Communities Facilities programs’ Emergency Rural Health Care Grants. Rural areas that were eligible for the program included cities, villages, towns and townships with no more than 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census data.
Contact USDA Rural Development
Residents, businesses and communities in Allamakee, Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Chickasaw, Clayton, Delaware, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek counties are served by the USDA Rural Development office in Waverly.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Iowa, call (515) 284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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.
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