United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Colorado State Director Armando Valdez announced that USDA is investing $18,430,000 in rural Colorado to build and improve critical community facilities. This infrastructure funding will expand access to health care, education and public safety while spurring community development and building sound infrastructure for people living in rural communities.
“The funding provided today will provide essential community services in rural Colorado and strengthen our communities to help rural America build back better, stronger, and in a more equitable manner than ever before,” said Valdez. These investments are being made through the USDA-Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants and the Community Facilities Loan Guarantees Programs.
The La Junta Health Service District will utilize a $15,900,000 Direct Loan and Loan Guarantee to construct a non-traditional skilled nursing facility in the City of La Junta. In 2020, the former facility closed forcing residents to relocate across the state. This new hybrid skilled nursing facility will bring back an option for quality, skilled nursing care for residents to stay in their community.
Black Canyon Boys and Girls Club, Incorporated in Montrose will be constructing a new facility with the assistance of a $2,500,000 direct loan. Currently the entity leases space from a local church and has a three-year waitlist of over 80 children. The new location is ideally situated for the Club's mission, conveniently located on the school bus route and within walking distance of several large neighborhoods. As the building will be purpose-built, it will include all the amenities the Club requires such as a secure entrance, multi-purpose space, commercial kitchen and ample outdoor space. The increased capacity of the building will also allow them to provide services to all the children on their waitlist.
In the Town of Grover, a $30,000 Community Facility Grant will be used to purchase a backup generator for the town's water system. Currently the town’s water storage tower only provides for two days’ worth of water. The generator will allow for a connection to ensure community residents have access to potable water in the event of an emergency.
Background:
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.
Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development 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, USDA 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/co.