USDA programs offer funding opportunities for rural communities
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LEWISTOWN -- Rural municipalities, nonprofits and residents could be eligible for federal funding through dozens of programs offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development.
Chris Hoffman, Pennsylvania state director of USDA Rural Development and a Juniata County farmer, outlined to the Mifflin County Planning Commission during its Thursday meeting, some of the more than 70 programs available to support rural communities.
The programs range from assistance for individual homeowners to funding for municipal infrastructure, emergency services, health care and water systems.
"Our mission is to make rural communities as strong and vibrant as possible," Hoffman said.
Among the programs Hoffman highlighted were USDA’s single-family housing programs, which can help qualifying individuals and families purchase or build homes, repair existing homes or refinance mortgages under certain circumstances.
Hoffman said qualifying applicants could receive up to $300,000 toward a new home. Low- to moderate-income residents also could qualify for as much as $40,000 for home improvements, repayable over 20 years at 1% interest.
"It's exciting to me to be able to help people and give them the American dream," Hoffman said.
He encouraged municipal officials to make residents aware that assistance may be available, particularly for those struggling to remain in their homes or afford necessary repairs.
"As you’re thinking about your communities and what you have around you as you plan, please let them know there is help and opportunities to keep people in their homes as well as the upkeep," Hoffman said.
As an example, Hoffman discussed a resident on Social Security who had health problems and whose home reached approximately 90 degrees during periods of extreme summer heat. After a doctor advised that the temperature posed a health concern, Hoffman said a USDA program provided $75,000 for a central air system.
Hoffman encouraged townships, municipalities and organizations with community needs to contact his office because one of USDA Rural Development’s programs may provide assistance.
He also pointed to USDA’s Community Facilities Program, which can provide funding for infrastructure and facilities operated by municipalities, nonprofits and other organizations serving their communities.
The historic Mifflin County Courthouse has qualified for assistance through the program, Hoffman said.
Other eligible projects can include fire stations, fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles.
Hoffman said USDA also is helping a hospital in Kane obtain new communications equipment through approximately $1 million in funding.
Health care technology is another potential use. Hoffman said Clinton County recently received more than $300,000 for technology that will allow medical testing to be conducted locally rather than requiring patients to travel elsewhere.
USDA’s water and environmental programs can provide financial assistance for water systems and related infrastructure.
Hoffman cited Jim Thorpe as an example, saying USDA assistance helped address a water system issue through the construction of new holding tanks as part of a $17 million project.
While funding for the current federal fiscal year has already been allocated, Hoffman said another funding cycle begins Oct. 1.
He encouraged local officials and organizations to explore the programs available and determine whether their projects could qualify for assistance.