USDA: $12.1 million investment in Vermont in community facilities from 2009-2011, over $100,000 new

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has released a report highlighting the ways in which infrastructure investments in rural communities help create jobs and boost economic development, and he announced additional investments that will create jobs and promote economic growth across the nation, including four new ones in Vermont worth $103,700 for a four-year total of $12.1 million.
â Quality hospitals, schools and libraries are the building blocks for a vibrant rural America,’said Vilsack. "Todayâ s announcement illustrates how the Obama Administration is leveraging Rural Developmentâ s investments to ensure that rural communities can compete in the global economy.â
In Vermont, the Glover Ambulance Rescue Squad celebrated an Economic Impact Initiative Grant of $12,700 and a $32,300 Rural Development loan that will assist the organization in replacing a 14 year old ambulance with its first ever new rescue vehicle. Green Mountain College in Poultney has received a $20,200 grant to complete the funding package necessary to renovate Bentley Hall. The building will be a gathering place for community meetings as well as College instruction and community seminars. In addition, the town of Brattleboro has received a $13,500 grant to make the Brooks Memorial Library more energy efficient and ADA compliant. Finally, the town of Richford received $25,000 to expand its town records’vault.
Since the start of fiscal year 2009, Rural Developmentâ s Community Facilities Program has helped more than 37 million rural Americans address essential challenges in health care, education, public service and public safety by financing projects through loans, grants, or loan guarantees.
To find out how the Community Facilities Program is making a difference in your state, click here.
USDA Rural Development State Director, Molly Lambert noted, â Since 2009, USDA has invested $12.1 Million in essential community facilities throughout Vermont. Libraries, schools, town halls, emergency, rescue and healthcare facilities are just a few of the needs supported by our community facilities program. We are building rural communities to last through this program ‘vital communities where people want to live, work and raise their families!â
Vilsack also announced that 38 Community Facilities investments in 21 states are being awarded today to continue the Administrationâ s commitment to help create jobs and improve the economy. For a complete list of awards announced today, please click here.
USDA Rural Developmentâ s Community Facilities Program supports essential infrastructure and services for public use in rural areas of 20,000 in population or less. Financing for Community Facilities projects covers a broad range of interests, including healthcare, education, public safety and public services. There are three major Community Facilities Programs: Community Facilities Direct and Guaranteed Loan Programs, Community Facilities Grants, and the Rural Community Development Initiative.
Since taking office, President Obamaâ s Administration has taken historic steps to improve the lives of rural Americans, put people back to work and build thriving economies in rural communities. From proposing the American Jobs Act to establishing the first-ever White House Rural Council ‘chaired by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack ‘the President wants the federal government to be the best possible partner for rural businesses and entrepreneurs and for people who want to live, work and raise their families in rural communities.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $165 billion in affordable 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 May 31, 2012 â