Funding will Help Provide Rural Health Care, Emergency Response Services and Long-Term Disaster Recovery
ST. PAUL, Minn., June 24, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director in Minnesota Cynthia Morales today announced that USDA is investing $4.8 million to equip, rebuild, and modernize essential services in rural areas throughout Minnesota. The investments will benefit nearly 5,000 rural residents.
“Modern infrastructure is the cornerstone to the success of any community, especially in rural areas,” Morales said. “The investments being announced today will help to further the prosperity of these communities by supporting essential services like fire rescue, emergency rescue, education and public streets.”
Background:
Today’s investments are funded through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program that helps residents in rural areas build or improve essential community infrastructure and purchase or replace equipment needed for essential community services. For example:
- The city of Newfolden is receiving a $327,000 loan and $50,000 grant to purchase a new fire truck that will replace the 1980 model in the current fleet. The new vehicle will be equipped with modern firefighting and rescue equipment, allowing the department to continue to provide essential fire and rescue services for the city and five surrounding townships.
- The city of Minneota is receiving a $227,00 loan and $50,000 grant to purchase a new fire truck with a 1,500 gallon per minute pump three Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus with firefighter jump seats.
- The city of Wood Lake is receiving a $650,000 loan to make improvements to the city streets where water infrastructure is being repaired.
- The New Century Academy Affiliated Building is receiving a $3,442,500 loan to purchase the land buildings currently being leased by the New Century Academy charter school. This will save the school an estimated $36,000 per year in leasing fees.
- The city of Porter is receiving a $23,500 loan and a $39,000 grant to purchase new protective equipment for the city’s 27 volunteer firefighters.
- The city of Lake Lillian is receiving a $16,000 grant to purchase 15 sets of new turnout gear and three cold water suits for the city’s fire department.
Today’s investment is in coordination with USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson’s recent announcement that USDA is investing $185 million to equip, rebuild, and modernize essential services in rural areas of 32 states, benefitting 3 million rural residents: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
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.
To learn more about Community Facilities Program funding opportunities, contact a USDA Rural Development state office. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB) for a detailed overview of the application process.
USDA Rural Development has 4 offices across the state to serve the 660,000 residents living in rural Nebraska. Office locations include a state office in Lincoln, along with local offices in Norfolk, Kearney, and Scottsbluff.
These offices help to provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn or call (651) 602-7800. Follow us on Twitter @RD_Minnesota.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, tribal and high-poverty areas. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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