DES MOINES, Iowa, May 8, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Iowa Theresa Greenfield today announced the completion of a hospital expansion project partially financed by USDA. The leadership team of Floyd Valley Healthcare (FVH) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the expanded and upgraded facility in the northwest Iowa community of Le Mars.
“Whether our rural hometowns need EMS vehicles to help save lives or updated medical facilities, USDA Rural Development has a team of experts that can determine eligibility for funding and then help get solid financing arranged for those essential projects,” said Director Greenfield. “Access to modern health care strengthens rural communities and improves the lives of Iowans. USDA wants people to know that we are there for them.”
In June of 2021, USDA Rural Development funded a $8.3 million loan to help to support the FVH project. The financing allowed the city of Le Mars to expand the existing facility by 14,300 square-feet, expand the physical therapy space by 5,300 square-feet, and make other essential mechanical and electrical upgrades.
Background
The investment for the hospital came through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program. This program provides funding to develop essential community facilities in eligible rural areas. Rural areas that are eligible include cities, villages, towns and townships with no more than 20,000 residents according to the latest U.S. Census data.
Contact USDA Rural Development
Residents, businesses and communities in Cherokee, Crawford, Ida, Lyon, Monona, O’Brien, Plymouth, Sioux, and Woodbury counties are served by the USDA Rural Development office in Le Mars.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas in Iowa, call (515) 284-4663 or visit www.rd.usda.gov/ia. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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.
###
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.