NEWS RELEASE                                     

  Contact: Kathy Beisner (302) 697-4333

USDA LOAN AND GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE TO HELP RURAL COMMUNITIES

Camden , DE February 23, 2003 – The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development has over $12 million available in Delaware and Maryland to help rural communities with health, safety, social and cultural needs according to USDA Rural Development State Director Marlene Elliott.   

“The Community Facilities Program is a great program,” Elliott said, “especially in smaller towns that need assistance to provide basic services like fire and rescue equipment.  The program helps rural communities look toward the future by providing the assistance needed to build and create opportunities and hope for younger generations.  Funds can be used for everything from educational facilities and sidewalk improvements to community support services like meal delivery trucks and emergency communications equipment.”  

 The Community Facility Loan and Grant Program provides over $4.6 million in low interest loans and limited grant dollars for rural communities in Delaware and over $7.3 million in loans and limited grant dollars in Maryland .   Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations or associations, towns, counties, districts, authorities or other political subdivisions of the state.  Funds can be used for projects located in rural areas and towns of a population of 20,000 or less and the current interest rates for loans are 4.50% - 4.625% according to median household income.    Other examples of eligible projects may include:  Community Centers, Hospitals, Assisted Living or Nursing Homes, Day Care Centers, Town Halls, Correctional Facilities, Libraries, Fire Houses, Police Stations, and Museums.

 Anyone in the Delaware – Maryland area interested in the Community Facility program is urged to call Lisa Fabian at (302) 697-4324 and on the western side of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland call Roberta Adams in Prince Frederick at (410) 535-1521, ext. 108. TTY users should call (302) 697-4303.  Additional information about USDA Rural Development and the programs they offer can be obtained by visiting Rural Development’s website at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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