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USDA Invests $944,000 in Rural Community Infrastructure to Help Rural Ohio Communities

Name
Heather Stacy
Email
heather.stacy@usda.gov
Release Date

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 22, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Ohio Acting State Director Beth Huhn today announced that USDA is investing $944,000 to improve critical community facilities in Ohio’s rural areas.

“Rural communities often have very limited funds available to purchase necessary public safety and road maintenance equipment,” Huhn said. “ By partnering with stakeholders, USDA is able to assist Ohio rural townships and counties with funding to purchase critical equipment needed to sustain rural infrastructure and improve public safety.”

USDA is investing in five projects in Ohio through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The assistance will fund essential community services that will help keep rural communities resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Saline Township, Jefferson County will use a $100,000 grant and $155,000 loan to purchase an ambulance and necessary equipment for operation. Investment in this project will enable Saline Township to continue offering reliable emergency services to its residents. 
  • German Township, Harrison County will use a $100,000 grant and $92,000 loan to purchase a tractor with mower attachment and dump truck for road and roadside maintenance. This equipment will manage over 30 miles of township roads.
  • Center Township, Monroe County will use a $100,000 grant and $44,000 loan to purchase a new dump truck that will be used to maintain public facilities and over 50 miles of public roads. The new truck will also come equipped with snowplow and salt spreader for winter road maintenance.
  • The Sardis Volunteer Fire Department will use a $100,000 grant and $160,000 loan to purchase a pumper truck. The department serves Lee, Green, Jackson, and Ohio Townships in Monroe county. With an increase in the oil and gas industry throughout the community and increased activity, the department's 26 volunteers need to acquire more up-to-date equipment to continue to provide reliable emergency services to the residents in the service area.
  • The Village of DeGraff will use a $13,000 grant and $80,000 loan to purchase a truck that will be outfitted with a snowplow and used to maintain roads and other public facilities throughout the village. 

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. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program.

Today’s investments complement the recently announced funding availability under USDA’s Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program, which also is being administered through the Community Facilities program. Through this program, USDA is making up to $500 million available through the American Rescue Plan to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, health care services and nutrition assistance.

Under the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program, Recovery Grant applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funds are expended. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/erhc.

Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development Ohio State Office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility. 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.

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