United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director Molly Hammond today announced that USDA is investing $59,168,800 to equip, rebuild, and modernize essential services in rural areas of Illinois.
We know that rural communities need robust, modern infrastructure to flourish, which is why USDA invests in much-needed community facilities and services in rural Illinois," Hammond said. "These improvements, while continuing to help those rebuild from the pandemic, are also a part of USDA's commitment to being a solid partner for rural communities in deploying this critical infrastructure."
Background:
USDA is investing in 9 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program.
Below are examples of today’s investments:
- Quincy University Corp is receiving a $24 million loan to provide long-term financing by refinancing existing debt on property located with Quincy University. The refinancing will allow for a more effective debt structure and improved cash flow for the University. This project will benefit over 1400 staff and students. Rural Development will be providing an 80 percent loan guarantee for this project.
- The YMCA of Ottawa is receiving a $12.8 million loan to construct a YMCA facility in Ottawa, Illinois. The new facility will be handicap accessible and will consist of 56,000 square foot building space with added parking. The facility will include an expanded wellness center, gymnasium, group studios, competition pool, family locker room, pre-school, after school care, senior services expansion, teen center, and a healthy cooking kitchen. The project will also include added services such as warm water therapy and rehabilitation services.
- Wabash General Hospital District is receiving a $13 million loan to assist the hospital district with the construction of a 32,000-square-foot, 2-story medical office building; a 3,000- square-foot addition to the existing orthopedic and rehabilitation building; and making renovations to the existing hospital's cafeteria, serving, and dining areas as well as to the current administrative meeting rooms to serve the present and future client base adequately. The project will be located on land already owned by the Hospital District. The medical office building will be connected to the existing hospital via an enclosed pedestrian walkway for maximum convenience.
- Johnson County is receiving a $8.5 million loan to construct a courthouse for the County of Johnson. The new facility will be for public use and hold county offices. This project ensures the facility will be handicap accessible and provide better public safety to the community and employees within the building.
- Salem Fire Protection District is receiving a $654,800 loan to purchase a side-mount, 2,000-gallon pumper truck. The truck will replace one that is 33 years old and in need of costly repairs. The department serves a 125-square-mile area that includes Stevenson, Haines, Racoon, Tonti, and Alma townships.
- Village of Goreville will receive a $25,000 grant to assist with the purchase of a patrol vehicle. This will replace a current vehicle that requires costly repairs and is no longer dependable. The village has two full-time and three part-time patrol officers who provide police protection for the residents of Goreville in addition to the visitors at Fern Clyffe State Park.
- City of Newton will receive a $25,000 grant to purchase police radios with updated technology for the city of Newton's police department. The city will purchase 10 radios which will help officers better communicate and respond to emergencies. These police radios are vital equipment to the police department and ensure adequate public safety for the community which comes to approximately 2,849 residents in the county of Jasper.
- Village of North City will receive a $19,800 grant to assist with the purchase and installation of an early warning storm siren. This project will alleviate a public safety concern that currently exists as the Village does not have an early warning system. It will enable them to provide warning and notification to all residents within the village.
- Village of Moweaqua will receive a $7,200 grant to purchase a replacement police vehicle, a Police Interceptor, 4WD Special Service, with a police package. The vehicle will provide better service to the Shelby County village's 1,831 residents.
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.
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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov . If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In 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 www.usda.gov.
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