The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for grants to help rural communities continue their recovery from devastating natural disasters. Up to $1.2 million in grants will soon be available in Oregon through the Community Facilities Program.
The grants may be used for relief in areas affected by natural disasters that occur through calendar year 2019 where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided a notice declaring a Major Disaster Declaration and assigned a FEMA disaster recovery (DR) number. Please check the FEMA website for eligible communities and for regular updates of additional areas that may be added.
More than 100 types of community facility projects are eligible for this funding. Municipalities, public bodies, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes are eligible to apply. Projects must be located in an eligible rural area with a population of 20,000 or less. Funding will be provided on a graduated scale; smaller communities with the lowest median household income are eligible for a higher proportion of grant funds.
Applications are now being accepted on a continual basis until funds are exhausted. In Oregon, applications should be submitted to the local Community Programs staff member serving your county.
For additional information and details on how to apply, see page 47477 of the September 10, 2019, Federal Register.