United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced Tuesday that USDA is investing $1 million to build and improve critical community facilities to benefit nearly 16 thousand rural residents in North Carolina.
USDA is investing in six projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The assistance will fund emergency response vehicles and equipment, improving essential community services.
The North Carolina projects include:
- Mount Olive Family Medicine Center will use a $251 thousand loan and $50 thousand grant to provide additional funding to construct an addition, and to refinance debt. The 3,403-square-foot addition will include nine exam rooms, four provider rooms, a work-up room, a conference room and restrooms. This project will benefit 4,589 rural residents.
- The town of Fremont will use a $29 thousand loan to purchase a tractor and cutter. The equipment will provide essential maintenance and public works services for Fremont’s residents. The town’s existing equipment has exceeded its useful life and has high maintenance and repair costs. The new equipment will be more reliable and less costly. This project will benefit 1,255 rural residents.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.
