COLUMBIA, MO, Oct. 14, 2020 – The Trump Administration, along with Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Missouri Jeff Case, today announced that the USDA is investing $40,400 to purchase new seating for The City of Maples Repertory Theatre.
“USDA Rural Development is a steadfast partner of rural Missouri’s non-profit organizations,” said Trump Administration Official State Director Case. “With this investment, USDA is not only supporting the arts and education, but is also putting money back into the rural community Maples Repertory Theatre serves. Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Missouri in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
The City of Maples Repertory Theatre, located in the Historic Royal Theatre building in downtown Macon, is an anchor for Macon’s downtown district. In addition to producing full-scale theater productions, it also partners with local schools to provide various educational opportunities. Maples Repertory Theatre will use a $15,800 Community Facilities Program loan and a $24,600 grant to purchase 320 seats for the theater. The current seating was manufactured in the 1970s, needs repair, and has exceed its useful life. The new seating will provide a more comfortable viewing experience and contribute to the continued success and growth of not only the theatre, but the local community.
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 eligible rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. Grant applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are exhausted.
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.
Contact USDA Rural Development
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/mo, by calling (573) 876-0976, or by emailing RDMissouri@usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development has 25 offices across the state to serve the 2.2 million residents living in rural Missouri. Office locations include a state office in Columbia, along with local offices in Butler, Charleston, Chillicothe, Clinton, Dexter, Eldon, Farmington, Higginsville, Houston, Kennett, Kirksville, Maryville, Mexico, Moberly, Neosho, New London, Poplar Bluff, Richmond, Rolla, Sedalia, Springfield, St. Joseph, Troy, and West Plains.
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