USDA invested $136.8 million in rural communities throughout Vermont in 2012

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued a report highlighting USDA Rural Developments fiscal year (FY) 2012 investments in job creation, businesses, infrastructure and housing for Americans living in rural communities across the nation.
President Obamas plan for rural America has brought about historic investment in rural communities that have made them stronger, Vilsack said. Thanks to our loan, grant and technical assistance programs, USDA Rural Development is helping residents and rural enterprises thrive, and we are laying a strong foundation for rural Americas future.
In Vermont, $136.8 Million was invested to support 1) homeownership and safe and affordable rental housing; 2) guaranteed loans for businesses that saved and created jobs; 3) energy efficiency and production of renewable energy; 4) the renovation and construction of community facilities and emergency services; and 5) the construction and upgrade of water and wastewater systems, telecommunication and broadband services.
The Vermont Rural Development team, located in Montpelier, Brattleboro and St. Johnsbury, has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the Vermont investment fostered meaningful growth and opportunity for our rural communities and their citizens, according to State Director, Molly Lambert. The strong partnership between the Administration and Vermonts Congressional delegation accounted for very significant and strategic investments throughout the state, she continued.
In 2012, nearly $6.4 million was invested to improve or construct water and wastewater systems. $5.8 million in funds assisted Vermont communities in renovating or constructing town halls, schools, libraries, health care facilities and child care centers.
The guaranteed business loans and energy grant/loan monies totaled $3.8 million, supporting and preserving jobs throughout the state.
Rural Development is also the lead federal agency ensuring that rural families have access to safe, well-built, affordable homes. This year, the USDA RD housing investment in Vermont was $120.6 million. This included a sizeable portion of guaranteed loans for individuals and very important rental assistance that guarantees an affordable rent for clients who meet the threshold income requirements.
For additional information on Rural Development projects throughout the country, please visit Rural Developments new interactive web map featuring program funding and success stories for the past four fiscal years. The data can be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RDSuccessStories.html.
President Obamas plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the Presidents leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way strengthening Americas economy, small towns and rural communities. USDAs investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $176 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
Montpelier VT, January 9, 2013 USDA