Keith Head
Community Programs Director Keith Head
Keith.Head@tn.usda.gov

"The development of modern public utility systems has always been difficult for rural communities," said Keith Head, Community Programs Director. "Today in Tennessee the Community Programs is assisting communities across the state with vital services such as water, sewer,  gas and electric infrastructures".

PROGRAM

OBJECTIVE

APPLICANT

USES

POPULATION

LOAN/
GRANT

TERMS/
CONDITIONS

Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants

Providing infrastructure for rural areas

Public entities, and non-profit corporations apply to RD Area Office

Build, repair, improve public water systems, and waste collection and treatment systems, and other related costs

Rural areas and places with up to 10,000 population

Direct loan and grant

Interest rates are set quarterly based on an index of current market yields for municipal obligations. Repayment maximum 40 years. Grant funds may be available

Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees

Providing infrastructure for rural areas.

Eligible lenders obtain guarantee for loans made and serviced by them.  Lenders should contact RD Area Office

Construct, repair, modify, expand, improve water supply and distribution systems, and waste collection and treatment systems, and other related costs

Rural areas and places with up to 10,000 population

Loan guarantee

Not eligible for grant

Solid Waste Management Grants

Provide technical assistance and/or training to help communities reduce the solid waste stream

Non-profit organizations and public bodies
Contact RD Area Office

Provide technical assistance and training to reduce pollution of water resources and improve management of solid waste facilities, reduction of solid waste in streams.

Rural areas and places with up to 10,000 population

Grant

Projects funded based on selection at National Level

Electric and Telecommunication

Provide financial aid through direct and guaranteed loans

Non-profit and cooperative associations, public bodies and other utilities.  Contact USDA-RUS-Electric Staff Div. STOP 1569, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC  20250-1569

Generation, bulk transmission facilities and distribution of electric power, Enhance 911 emergency service, digital switching equipment, fiber optic cable

Rural areas

Direct loan or loan guarantee

Interest rates are established in accordance with 7CFR - 17145

Distance Learning and Telemedicine

Development and deployment of advanced telecommunication services throughout rural America

An incorporated entity, including a municipal corporation or a for-profit or not for profit basis, which operates, or will operate an educational institution, including a regional educational laboratory, library, hospital, medical center, medical  clinic or any rural community facility Rural schools, libraries, health care clinics and other organizations that operate educational or health care facilities. Application submitted to RD National Office, Washington, DC

Equipment for classrooms; cameras; video monitors computers and LAN; and for physician consultation, radiology, x-ray scanners and digital microscopes

Rural areas

Direct loan and/or grant

Matching funds are required
Projects funded based on selection at National Level

Technical Assistance & Training Grants

Identify & evaluate solutions to water & waste disposal systems, improve operation & maintenance of existing water & wastewater disposal facilities in rural areas

Private Non-Profit Organizations. Contact RD Area Office

Provide technical assistance and training to improve rural water and wastewater systems

Rural areas and places with up to 10,000 population

Grant

Projects funded based on selection at National Level