USDA highlights infrastructure investments in rural areas

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Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue recently highlighted the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) investments in rural communities’ infrastructure, which are expected to boost economic growth.

During Fiscal Year 2017, the USDA invested more than $40 million in 31 projects in 21 states and Puerto Rico. The funding was through the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. The program provides funding for essential community facilities. These are defined as facilities that provide essential services to the local community such as hospitals, libraries, food banks, police stations, government buildings or fairgrounds.

To qualify for funds, a community or Recognized Tribal Lands must have no more than 20,000 residents. Funding is provided either as a grant or loan.

“USDA is focused on improving rural America’s infrastructure,” Perdue said. “Investments such as the ones I’m highlighting today will improve the quality of life, create jobs, grow our economy and foster prosperity in rural areas.”

The largest award was a $11.3 million loan given to the Lindsay-Strathmore Irrigation District in Tulare County, California. Funds will be used to make road improvements and to replace 10 miles of steel irrigation pipe.

The second largest award was $3.9 million, given to the Tongue River Valley Joint Powers Board in Wyoming for the construction of a natural-gas pipeline.