Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue yesterday highlighted U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments in Fiscal Year 2017 that will help construct or improve infrastructure and boost economic growth in rural communities.
The announcement includes an investment in the City of Somerset in Bexar County who received a $1.28 million loan to resurface cracking and degraded roadways, reduce sediment build-up along the roads and improve drainage. In addition to serving residential, commercial, educational and agricultural uses, Somerset’s roads provide key access for emergency vehicles. The USDA loan will create safer travel conditions for Somerset’s residents and emergency responders.
“We are pleased to offer funding to the City of Somerset,” said Texas State Director Edd Hargett. “This funding will help the community keep pace with the needs of their rising population.”
In Fiscal Year 2017, USDA used funding from the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program to invest more than $40 million in 31 projects to repair, enhance or build infrastructure. These investments were for projects such as surface transportation, aviation, ports, water and storm water resources, energy production and generation, and electricity transmission. They will benefit nearly 265,000 residents.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs in Texas, contact the State Office at (254) 742-9700 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/TX.