November 04, 2009 - WASHINGTON—Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced $13.1 million in community facilities projects that are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Newport, Tenn. will receive $295,000. USDA has announced more than $268 million in Recovery Act funding for community facility projects to date.

 

"The Obama Administration is committed to revitalizing rural communities and bringing quality facilities such as hospitals, public buildings and community centers to small towns and cities that can benefit from new construction or upgrades to existing ones," Vilsack said.

 

Newport will use a $245,000 low interest loan and a $50,000 grant to fund construction of a solid waste transfer station to serve city homeowners and businesses. Necessary equipment will also be purchased including a semi-tractor, four trailers and a bobcat style loader to serve both the new transfer station and the city's curbside recycling program, which reduces total volume by about 20 percent. The city is contributing the land and an additional $50,000 to construct the station.

 

In addition to the $13.1 million that USDA Rural Development is providing to fund the 14 projects announced today, recipients will combine that funding with $2.6 million from other sources.

 

The Rural Development community facilities program uses direct loans, loan guarantees and grants to provide rural areas with the financial resources to construct or improve essential services like healthcare, education, civic buildings and first responder facilities. Community facilities programs target rural areas with a population less than 20,000. Eligible recipients include public bodies and non-profit organizations.

 

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

           

More information about USDA’s Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery.

 

Rural Development invests in jobs, businesses, community infrastructure, homeownership and affordable rental housing in rural communities. Last year Rural Development assisted more than 864,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $655 million in financial assistance through affordable loans, loan guarantees and grants.

 

For more information on Rural Development programs available in Cocke County contact the Rural Development Area Office in Knoxville at 865-523-3338 ext. 4, toll free at 1-800-342-3149 extension 1491, or visit us online at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/tn.

 

Funding of each loan and grant recipient is contingent upon meeting the conditions of the agreement. Other recipients include:

 

California

Glenn County - $50,000 grant; replacement of computer and software equipment

City of Mendota - $39,325 grant; equipment for the police department

 

Colorado

Crestone Youth Plaza, Inc. - $25,000 grant; computers and furniture for a youth center

 

Georgia

East Georgia Healthcare Center, Inc. - $1,020,395 loan; purchase and renovation of a

healthcare center

 

Illinois

East Dubuque Library District - $310,000 loan; $30,000 grant; renovation of old City Hall to

relocate the community library

 

Michigan

Comstock Community Center - $1,946,000 loan; expansion of a center in order to offer

Additional services

Jerome Township Fire/Township Hall - $2,569,000 loan; $135,000 grant; construction of

a fire station and town hall; utilizing ‘green’ construction

Missaukee County - $240,000 loan; $75,000 grant for heating systems in four buildings.

 

North Carolina

Town of Williamston Public Safety Center - $2,138,000 loan; $200,000 grant; renovate an existing

facility to house the police department, fire department and emergency operations

Carolina Family Health Centers, Inc.-  (Harvest FHC) -  $1,400,000 loan; addition to allow for the

provision of more services.

Cramerton Police Station/Town hall - $1,440,000 loan, rehabilitate the town hall to make it fully

accessible and turn the third floor into the police station.

Town of Littleton-Town Hall - $93,510 loan; $114,290 grant, for renovation of the building

 

Wisconsin

Hazel Green Community Development Authority - $1,000,000 loan for construction of the new

village hall

 

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