Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is investing $501 million in 60 projects to help improve health care infrastructure and services in rural communities nationwide.
“Creating strong and healthy communities is foundational to increasing prosperity in rural America,” Hazlett said. “Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural leaders to improve quality of life and economic development through modern and accessible health care.”
“New Hampshire need to be prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing health care environment,” said Anthony Linardos USDA Rural Development State Director, “Rural residents around the state need access to high quality care and USDA helps to deliver programs that create jobs and provide access to these essential services”
Hazlett made today’s announcement as part of USDA’s commemoration of National Rural Health Day, which is held annually on the third Thursday of November to focus on the specific health care issues facing rural communities. The Department is investing in 60 projects through the Community Facilities direct loan program. These investments will expand access to health care for approximately 2 million people in 34 states.
Below is a summary of USDA’s investment in New Hampshire rural communities:
- Crotched Mountain Residential Services, Inc. is receiving a $21 million loan to acquire the assets of a rehabilitation center and school to refurbish and re-purpose for educational use and to create an autism academy. CMRS is one of the only facilities in New England dedicated to providing educational and residential services to children and adults with disabilities. The number of children removed from homes in New Hampshire due to substance misuse increased substantially from 2012 to 2017. This project will increase the ability to care for these children. The facility is the largest provider of assistive technology in the state and is an alternative to nursing home placement. These funds will transform the outdated school into a venue designed to maximize independence for students and prepare them for a rewarding life in the community after they leave. The school will provide vocational training for students of all abilities. Additional funding for this project includes a $5,250,000 Community Facilities loan guaranteed and a $6,011,400 applicant contribution.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.
To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.