At the end of last week, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Jason Brower for Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands announced that USDA is investing $6,516,900 toward five community projects serving 61,998 Floridians.
“The projects announced today are all aimed at improving the quality of life in Florida’s rural communities,” Brower said. “Through its grant and loan programs, USDA is making investments in rural Florida to help provide essential services for our residents.”
The USDA is investing in projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The assistance will fund essential community services that will help keep rural America resilient in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The projects will finance emergency response vehicles and equipment and build or improve schools.
The five Florida projects are:
The city of Marianna will receive a $1,713,500 grant to build a 32,389-square-foot public safety building which will house both the fire and law enforcement stations. This facility will replace the existing buildings that are over 79 years old. The existing facilities were extremely outdated, in need of repair, and were damaged during Hurricane Michael. The new facility will provide improved emergency response services to the community residents.
The city of Marianna will receive a $606,400 grant and $1,204,200 loan to build a 32,389-square-foot public safety building which will house both the fire and law enforcement stations. This facility will replace the existing buildings that are over 79 years old. The existing facilities were extremely outdated, in need of repair, and were damaged during Hurricane Michael. The new facility will provide improved emergency response services.
Beulah Academy of Science will receive a $2,850,000 loan to build a 17,000-square-foot gymnasium facility at the charter school campus. This facility will enable the students to have access to indoor health and wellness activities during extreme heat and poor weather conditions and will also add three additional classrooms. The addition of the gymnasium and classrooms will provide improved services to the students who attend the academy.
The town of Cross City will receive a $63,000 grant to purchase six fully-equipped law enforcement vehicles for the town. The existing vehicles have high mileage, are experiencing maintenance issues, and have been a safety concern. The addition of the new vehicles will enhance officer safety and improve emergency response services.
The city of Chiefland will receive a $79,800 grant to purchase three fully-equipped law enforcement vehicles for the city’s police department. The existing vehicles have high mileage, are experiencing maintenance issues, and have been a safety concern. The addition of the new vehicles will enhance officer safety and improve emergency response services.
Background
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.
The investments in these projects complement the recently announced funding availability under USDA’s Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program, which also is being administered through the Community Facilities program. Through this program, USDA is making up to $500 million available through the American Rescue Plan to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to COVID-19 vaccines, health care services and nutrition assistance.
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