For Immediate Release:
Oct. 6, 2015

Contact: Dan Hutton
(573) 751-4008

Senator Gary Romine Encourages Local Communities to Apply for USDA Rural Development Program


JEFFERSON CITY — State Senator Gary Romine, R-Farmington, is encouraging communities located in the 3rd Senate District, which includes the counties of Iron, Reynolds, St. Francois, Ste. Genevieve, Washington and Jefferson, to submit their applications for the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program. The program provides funding for the development of essential community facilities in rural areas.

“Just like large cities, Missouri’s rural communities require access to quality healthcare, comprehensive public safety and utility services, safe roads and much more. Unfortunately, rural areas often lack the sizeable budgets of their urban counterparts, making it difficult to afford new development projects or improvements to their existing community facilities,” said Sen. Romine. “Whether your community is in need of a brand new medical clinic or simply hopes to update its library, this program can help fund a wide variety of projects that may otherwise be unaffordable. I strongly encourage all eligible communities in the 3rd District to apply.” 

Public bodies, community-based non-profit corporations and federally recognized Tribes, located in rural areas, are all considered eligible borrowers. Available funds include low interest direct loans, grants, a combination of the two and the USDA’s loan guarantee program. These funds may be combined with commercial financing if all eligibility and feasibility requirements are met.

For more information and additional eligibility requirements, click here or visit the USDA Rural Development website at www.rd.usda.gov. You may also contact the USDA Rural Development Farmington Sub-Area Office at (573) 756-6413, Ext. 4, to get started and discuss your specific project.