USDA loans available for rural projects

USDA Rural Development Nevada has $14 million available to lend to rural communities for a variety of essential community projects, such as buildings, equipment or renovations. These low interest federal loans provide options for a community to finance projects over a longer term.

Does your community need to build a health center, purchase equipment for the courthouse, library or museum? Does your community center or senior center need a commercial kitchen or improvements? Are your emergency response vehicles out of date or lack the zoom and vigor to get to fires and respond? There are a wide variety of projects that USDA Rural Development’s Community Facility (CF) Loan Program can fund-these are just a few!

“Our USDA RD staff is pleased to assist with information about this program,” said Community Programs Director Cheryl Couch. “There is even an easy-to-use application guide which we can provide. We would be happy to come out and provide training on the program, and answer any questions you have.” The Community Facilities staff can be reached at 775-887-1222, Ext. 104.

Over the past few years, two rural Nevada hospitals have used the CF Loan program to renovate aging buildings, purchase electronic records systems, and upgrade their heating and air conditioning systems. Both Boulder City Hospital and Pershing General Hospital are undergoing improvements which were funded in part by USDA’s CF Loan Program.

In addition, a number of rural communities have used CF loan funds to purchase emergency response equipment. The Storey County Fire Protection District borrowed $2 million to purchase three structural fire engines and three ambulances to enhance emergency response in their county.

Smaller projects can also be funded. Daycare centers have used small loans to replace carpet, purchase equipment, and renovate kitchens. Law enforcement, court houses and judicial centers can purchase communications or audio visual equipment, computers, or build new buildings to replace out-of-date structures.

For information about USDA RD Nevada’s Community Facilities program, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/nv.