Kathy Beisner (302) 697-4300

                                                                                                (302) 270-5767

Worth taking a look at…....USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program

Camden, DE – June 28, 2004 - USDA is more than farming and one agency under the USDA umbrella, “Rural Development”, stands on the motto that they are “Committed to the future of rural communities.”  The agency is reaching out to Delaware and Maryland Faith-Based organizations and Community-Based organizations interested in applying for loans or grants that provide essential facilities or services that serve the public.  A free 2-hour workshop will be held on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 in Dover to learn more about the funding opportunity.  Funds may be used to construct, enlarge, or improve community facilities for health care, cultural and educational needs, community support buildings and improvements, safety, and transportation.

            “Many faith-based organizations may not be aware that they may qualify for certain federal assistance,” said Marlene Elliott, USDA Rural Development State Director.  “The President’s Faith-based and Community Initiative expands our opportunities to reach out to the neighborhood healers within our rural communities and offer assistance to address everyday quality of life issues.”

Last year in Delaware and Maryland, the agency invested over $5 million dollars in direct and guaranteed loans and grants.  Some of the organizations and projects that received assistance include: The Delaware Music School in Milford to replace musical instruments lost in a fire; La Esperanza in Georgetown purchase two vans that are used to provide transportation for residents that are in need of health care and do not have access to transportation; Shore Up! Inc. in Salisbury purchase of a hot/cold food delivery vehicle; and Garrett County Memorial Hospital in Oakland with an addition.

Rural Development is planning to hold a free workshop, open to all nonprofit – 501(c)3’s – and local lending institutions explaining the benefits of this program on Tuesday, July 13, 2004 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village located at 866 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE.  Low interest loans and limited grant dollars are available in rural areas and towns with a population of up to 20,000.  Direct loans are available to applicants who are unable to obtain commercial credit and currently the interest rate could be as low as 4.375% for direct loans according to median household income.  Rural Development can also guarantee loans made and serviced by commercial lenders.  The agency may guarantee up to 90% of any loss of interest or principal on the loan. 

Additional information about the Community Facility Program and examples of fund uses is available at www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/cf/cp.htm.  To register for the free workshop or for general assistance contact the Rural Development State Office at (302) 697-4300.

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USDA Rural Development is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Provider, and Employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to:

USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410.