Topeka, Kansas, May 14, 2002 – "Norton County Hospital has received a $1,400,000 Community Facility Direct Loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development mission area," announced Chuck Banks, State Director for Kansas. In conjunction with the loan, $400,000 will be provided through a Kansas Community Development Block Grant, $350,000 will be in the form of a tax credit, and $100,000 will be a Hansen Foundation Grant. The hospital is contributing $1,820,000. USDA Rural Development is the agency responsible for developing rural communities by administering a number of programs designed to strengthen the economy and infrastructure of rural areas.

"The hospital will use the loan to remodel its existing structure in accordance with current medical standards and accessibility requirements and to construct an addition," related David Barber, Rural Development Specialist in the Hays office.

The Community Facility Loan and Grant Program is available to rural communities and unincorporated towns or cities with a population not exceeding 20,000. "USDA Rural Development is pleased to be able to provide the benefits the Community Facilities Loan and Grant Program offers to small rural communities in Kansas," remarked State Director Banks. "Financing community facilities is one of the most important things the government can do to help a community. Ensuring the health and safety of the residents of rural Kansas communities strengthens the communities and helps to build a brighter future for the whole region."

For more information on the Community Facilities Program or any other Rural Development programs, visit your local USDA Rural Development office or visit our web site at: www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks/