The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Wednesday that New Hampshire communities, families and businesses benefited from $189.5 million in USDA Rural Development (RD) grants, loans and loan guarantees in Federal Fiscal Year 2014.
“These funds helped thousands of rural Granite State residents find affordable homes, find good paying jobs, and access vital community services,” said USDA Rural Development State Director Ted Brady. “As the federal government’s only agency devoted to assisting rural communities, USDA Rural Development is a one stop shop for the people, businesses and communities of rural New Hampshire. The hardworking men and women of the agency have a singular focus, helping our rural communities thrive.”
The New Hampshire investment included a focus on making New Hampshire’s rural communities safe and sustainable places to live. Brady noted that funding was used to bolster New Hampshire’s growing farm to plate initiative, to build water and wastewater systems, to help businesses create jobs and produce renewable energy, and to build or purchase essential community facilities such as libraries, schools and arts venues.
These investments included a $49,921 grant to Conner Bottling Works in Newfields to help install solar panels, a $30,000 grant to the Town of Pittsfield to identify potential future wastewater system upgrades, and loans, grants and loan guarantees to more than 3,000 families to help them buy, repair or rent a home. For more information about the communities, businesses and people of New Hampshire Rural Development served in 2014 visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/nh.
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. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $208 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural areas. For more information on Rural Development, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/nh.