U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) South Dakota Rural Development Acting State Director Hally Witte announced that USDA is investing $266 million to build and improve critical community facilities to benefit nearly 3 million rural residents in 16 states and Puerto Rico. This funding includes an investment of $549,100 for four South Dakota projects that will benefit 13,250 residents.
“These investments will help the four entities upgrade their equipment to improve services to thousands of rural residents living in their service areas,” said Witte. “These investments by the Biden Administration will ensure the continuation of needed community facility services that could change and save lives to help rural America build back better and stronger.”
Below is the summary of the South Dakota investments:
- In Gregory, the Gregory Fire Company will use a Community Facility loan of $66,300 and a grant of $35,700 to purchase 10 self-contained breathing apparatuses. These items will replace equipment that is well beyond the end of its useful life. Up-to-date apparatuses are critical for the safety of the volunteer firefighters. This project will serve 1,821 rural residents.
- In Faulkton, the Faulkton Volunteer Fire Department will use a Community Facility loan of $198,000 and a grant of $75,000 to purchase a pumper truck that will replace outdated equipment. The truck will improve fire protection services for residents in Faulk County. This project will serve 2,364 rural residents.
- In Lake Andes, the Lake Andes-Ravinia Rural Fire Protection District will use a Community Facility loan of $33,400 and grant of $38,600 to purchase a water tanker truck for the District. The truck will increase the ability to get water to fires in rural areas where fire hydrants are not available. Up-to-date vehicles and transport for water is important for the safety of all community members. This project will serve 2,438 rural residents.
- In Sturgis, the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department will use a Community Facility loan of $82,100 and a grant of $20,000 to purchase 18 self-contained breathing apparatuses. These items will replace equipment that is well beyond the end of its useful life. The apparatuses are critical for the safety of the volunteer firefighters. This project will serve 6,627 rural residents.
USDA is investing in 41 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. The assistance will fund emergency response vehicles and equipment, improving essential community services.
These investments announced today are from the first quarter of FY2021 and January 2021. Projects are in Alabama, California, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, South Dakota, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and Puerto Rico.
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.
Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB) for a detailed overview of the application process.
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