USDA rural development helps rural areas
Utah communities, businesses and citizens received millions of dollars of investments over a two year period between 2009-10, with the support and resources of the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Agency.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), was passed into law on February 13, 2009. ARRA provided a significant boost to Utah's funding authorization by providing loans, grants, or loan guarantees for housing, community facilities, water and waste, broadband, business and industry. Rural communities across Utah have benefitted through the construction of new economic development infrastructure projects and investments that have helped create and save thousands of rural jobs.
Utah's Rural Development office experienced more than a $333 million increase in funding the past two fiscal years due to ARRA. Utah's housing accounted for most of the additional funds, targeting more than $283 million helping over three thousand Utah families become home owners, and assist with affordable rents.
Over $15 million in loan and grants was obligated for Community Facilities for a total of 12 projects.
Including two library renovations, building a health clinic, a day care facility, lab expansion, purchasing a fire truck, a main street revitalization, a jail, and providing an elevator in a newly restored historic building, serving a total of 73,556 rural residents.
The water and waste program obligated more than $18 million in loans and grants for five projects, including replacement of two water tanks, and three cities receiving water improvements. These projects helped improve the health and welfare of 21,875 residents. Broadband secured $11.870 million for two projects, one in central Utah and another on the Confederated Tribes of Goshute reservation.
Utah's Business and Industry accounted for the remaining $4,720,708, with three investments helping rural businesses and stimulating job growth in the Richfield and Logan areas.
"Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act this year wraps up one of the busiest funding cycles ever for USDA Rural Development in Utah. The federal government's new fiscal year began last October and we look forward to continuing our commitment to the future of rural Utah. Applications for our guaranteed loan, direct loan and grant programs are accepted year round," said Dave Conine, USDA Rural Development State Director for Utah.
Interested residents can call 801-524-4324 or visit the agencies site at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ut to learn how the agency can assist qualifying families with homeownership, help rural communities make upgrades to infrastructure and public safety services and provide incentives to businesses for job creation.
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