U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Julie Gross announced that USDA is investing $274,000 to build and improve critical infrastructure in the city of Avon.
“Communities rely on having access to essential services that bring reliability and safety for residents,” said Gross. “This investment demonstrates how partnering with USDA can provide opportunities and build strong, sustainable communities. When rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
The City of Avon will use the federal funding to replace the pavement on the city of Avon’s main street. The project includes the replacement of the existing water and sanitary sewer due to its age and life expectancy. In addition, the city plans to replace eight light poles and increase the handicap accessibility areas to better accommodate its residents.
Background:
This announcement is part of a larger statement from USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand who announced that USDA is investing $153 million to build and improve critical community facilities to benefit nearly two million rural residents in 23 states, including in Alabama, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming.
USDA is funding 94 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The investments can be used to build or upgrade schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities. For example:
Stewart Memorial Community Hospital in Lake City, Iowa, is receiving a $29 million loan to build a 24,000-square-foot addition to the emergency department and rehabilitation services area. The expansion will include a helipad and improvements to hospital spaces, the receiving dock, the main entrance, and administrative offices.
Crockett County, Tenn., is receiving an $18.3 million loan to expand and renovate Crockett County Middle and High School. The renovations will expand classrooms and build a new gym, multi-purpose sports complex, stadium press box, bleachers and new school board offices.
Ohio Hills Health Services, in Barnesville, Ohio, is receiving a $735,000 loan and a $172,700 grant to expand the Monroe Family Health Center (MFHC). USDA also is helping to finance new clinic equipment. The new building will improve accessibility and enable more rural residents to receive care. MFHC served 3,500 rural residents in 2019.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.
Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB), a detailed overview of the application process.
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 facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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