U.S. Department of Agriculture Ohio Rural Development State Director David L. Hall today announced Ohio is among 16 states that recently received millions in USDA funding to support crucial infrastructure improvements.
“To a rural community, there is no such thing as a ‘too small’ or ‘unimportant’ project,” said Hall. “Ohio’s villages, townships and first responder organizations represent our most grassroots connection to rural citizens, and we couldn’t be prouder to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in support of our communities.
“Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner with rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
In Ohio:
- In Medina County, the village of Lodi will use its combined $903,900 loan and grant to purchase a new fire engine, ambulance and pickup truck. The village’s current vehicles have aged beyond repair. Along with Harrisville Township, Lodi is served by a fire and emergency medical services department comprised of three full-time employees and 20-25 part-time, paid-per-call firefighters.
- In Ashtabula County, a combined $100,000 loan and grant to purchase two law enforcement vehicles for Geneva-on-the-Lake, a picturesque village located on Lake Erie's northeastern shore. During the summer months, the area's population swells by the thousands as people visit "the Strip," a section of road with arcades, a state park, and beloved restaurants, some of which have been around for multiple generations.
- Also in Ashtabula County, the village of Jefferson will use its combined $569,000 loan and grant to purchase a new fire engine. Founded in 1837, the Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department is among the oldest in the county. Last year alone, emergency responders undertook more than 400 runs in the service area. The new fire engine will replace an aged vehicle that poses a maintenance burden for the village. This is the first collaboration between Jefferson and USDA Rural Development.
- In Carroll County, a combined $530,000 loan and grant will finance the acquisition of a fire truck for the Carrollton Fire Department. The new truck will replace an older, no longer serviceable model. With it, the station's 40 volunteer firefighters and first responders will be able to provide improved services to the residents of Carrollton. Earlier collaborations with USDA Rural Development include $50,000 in Community Facilities funding to help offset the purchase of law enforcement vehicles.
- In Holmes County, Knox Township will use its combined $112,000 loan and grant to finance the purchase of a backhoe. Featuring modern technology and better lighting to improve safety and efficiency, the new equipment will help the township securely maintain more than 30 miles of rural roadways.
- Headquartered in Richland County, CB&S Joint Fire District will use its combined $345,000 loan and grant to finance the purchase of a pumper fire tanker. Last year alone, this volunteer department undertook 338 runs. With their new pumper tanker, firefighters will be able to provide improved fire safety to the residents of the service area, which includes Blooming Grove and Cass Townships along with the village of Shiloh. Previously, CB&S Joint Fire District received $87,000 in USDA Rural Development Community Facilities assistance to purchase an emergency vehicle.
- In Tuscarawas County, Salem Township will use its combined $166,000 loan and grant to finance the purchase of a tractor with mower, along with a tandem roller, to help maintain more than 36 miles of Appalachian roads. The tractor and mower will replace older, no longer serviceable models, and the tandem roller will help township maintenance workers properly and safely compact road surfaces. Earlier collaborations with Salem Township include $165,000 in USDA Rural Development Community Facilities loan and grant funding, also used for equipment purchase.
In addition to Ohio, projects also were recently announced in Colorado, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, North Carolina, Nevada, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.
Background:
USDA is funding 44 projects impacting an estimated 363,000 rural citizens 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:
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 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.
If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.