LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced an investment of $139 million in 56 projects to improve community facilities and provide essential services for 3.3 million rural residents in 23 states.
According to an official press release, the investments are being made through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, and any parties interested in participating should contact their USDA Rural Development state office for details about eligibility.
“Modern, accessible and reliable community infrastructure, public safety facilities, schools and health facilities are essential components to strong and prosperous communities,” Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy said in the press release. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner in building and modernizing these facilities in rural America, because we believe that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
In Michigan, one example of a project being funded includes Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital, which is receiving a $2,609,509 loan. The loan will be used to purchase and implement an electronic medical record (EMR) system.
According to the press release, the hospital operates several departments including the rural health clinic. This EMR system will allow the two entities to share medical records electronically. The implementation will take seven months, with a projected go-live launch in January 2020.
The release also notes that more than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities program 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 to be considered for funding.
More information can be found online at https://www.rd.usda.gov/.
