By DOUG SCHMITZ

Iowa Correspondent

WASHINGTON, D.C. — USDA Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett has announced the USDA is investing $181 million in 88 rural projects to build community infrastructure and facilities in 27 states, which include Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee.

“Infrastructure is a foundation for quality of life and economic opportunity in small towns across our country,” she said at a recent forum cosponsored by the National Assoc. of Counties and the National Assoc. of Development Organizations Research Foundation.

“Under the leadership of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA is committed to being a strong partner to building prosperity in rural America through modern infrastructure.”

Through the USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, the funding helps rural areas make infrastructure improvements and provide essential facilities such as schools, libraries and daycare centers.

In Indiana, the Van Buren Township Volunteer Fireman’s Assoc. will use a $349,800 loan to renovate and expand a fire department building, which will serve businesses and a population of about 3,500.

In Michigan, USDA State Director Jason Allen said funding will provide infrastructure projects for three rural communities. “What stands out is the geographic reach as well as the diversity of projects,” he noted. “From improved fire protection to community building and strengthening education, the USDA is there to help.”

For example, Lake Superior Academy, in Chippewa County, will use a $140,000 loan to construct a classroom addition, expanding the instructional area. By 2022, the building is expected to serve about 100 students a year. The state of Michigan is also providing $575,000 for the project.

In addition, Blue Water Community Action, in St. Clair County, will use a $1.5 million loan to purchase a former college facility located in Port Huron, relocating its main office and early childhood classrooms to the building. The project will serve an area with 10,654 residents, with additional funding including $320,551 from Head Start and $147,687 in applicant contributions.

Moreover, Jefferson Township, in Hillsdale County, will use a $561,000 loan to construct a replacement fire building, which will be centrally located, reducing response time in a community of 3,100. The building will include truck bays, an office and a training room.

In Ohio, the Monroe County commissioners will use a $117,000 loan to purchase equipment to maintain 370 miles of rural roadways. The county will buy three trucks with snowplows, a backhoe, a tractor ditching head and a brush/tree chipper.

In Tennessee, USDA Rural Development State Director Jim Tracy said the USDA is investing more than $2.3 million in six projects.

“In order for rural Tennessee communities to prosper, they must have the proper infrastructure in place to meet the needs of their citizens,” he said. “I am excited that the USDA is committed to assisting communities in making infrastructure a priority.”

This funding includes:

•South Pittsburg will use a $204,500 loan and $38,500 grant to purchase three cars that will be used by the police department, a fire department vehicle and three light-duty pickup trucks for the public works department.

•The Nolichuckey Valley Volunteer Fire Department will use a $975,000 loan and $47,500 grant to construct a fire hall in Chuckey.

•Lewis County will use a $264,000 loan and $50,000 grant to purchase a replacement chip spreader to allow the county’s highway department to re-service rural county roads.

•Brighton will use a $500,000 loan to purchase a new fire engine and additional equipment to better serve the occupants of approximately 2,735 residential dwellings and three county schools that house 3,100 students and 300 staff.

•The Monroe Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department will use a $65,000 loan to purchase a new brush truck

•Mt. Pleasant will use a $170,000 loan to purchase a new mini pumper fire truck to replace a 32-year-old vehicle.

In April 2017, President Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. The findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities in rural America.