U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Oklahoma State Director Kenneth Corn announced today that USDA will invest $94,400 in Calvin Public Schools to support their ability to purchase energy efficient lighting and window costs, which will allow the school district to lower energy costs. Additionally, this investment will secure new cafeteria equipment to ensure the school district is able to provide safe and nutritious breakfasts and lunches to school children. This investment is part of approximately $1.9 million the Biden-Harris Administration is making available via the Rural Development Community Facilities grants program to support rural Oklahoma schools, community infrastructure and roads, police departments and other essential safety services in rural areas.
This program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. Rural areas including cities, villages, townships and towns including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands with no more than 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census Data are eligible for this program.
“President Biden recognizes that rural schools are the lifeblood of rural communities and by investing in our children’s future we are investing in our long-term economic growth,” Corn said. “This investment will save the school district money by lowering their energy costs and allow them to reinvest that money in the success of their schools. Additionally, the Administration is committed to providing rural America’s children with funding to ensure all students have access to food regardless of their economic status or what zip code they reside in.”
Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and / or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment and pay related project expenses. Examples of essential community facilities include:
- Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities
- Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements
- Community support services such as child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing
- Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment
- Educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools
- Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment
- Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to providing our rural communities and tribal communities in Oklahoma with the tools to grow our rural economy from the middle out and bottom up,” Corn said. “I would strongly encourage small communities, county officials and tribal nations to speak with our staff on how Rural Development can be a part of their growth too.”
For more information on how to apply call 580-889-2554 ext. 116.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/ok.