USDA RURAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATOR ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR HEALTH CARE, PUBLIC SAFETY AND EDUCATION PROJECTS IN TEXAS
Cotulla, TX – April 27, 2011 – (RealEstateRama) — USDA Rural Housing Administrator Tammye Treviño today announced support for health care, public safety and education projects to create jobs and improve the quality of rural life in 15 Texas communities.
“USDA is providing funds to help communities in rural Texas create jobs, attract businesses and provide improved services to their residents,” Trevino said. “The Obama Administration is helping Texas win the future by building the infrastructure needed for quality health care services, modern library facilities and school buildings, and reliable emergency services equipment.”
Treviño joined State Director Paco Valentin in Cotulla to announce a direct loan of over $500,000 to renovate a convention center. The city also will use the funding to build an educational nature center that will be attached to the convention center. Visitors will be able to learn about nature and wildlife resources in the area. In total, Treviño today announced more than $39 million in loans and grants for projects throughout Texas.
The Community Facilities Programs is a vital funding source for rural communities. In 2009, USDA provided a $117,000 loan and $143,000 grant to the Laredo International Fair & Exposition, Inc. to install an air conditioning system, insulation, sectional doors, a retaining wall and furniture for the student activity center. The center provides opportunities for students to explore careers related to agriculture.
A complete list of Texas projects that were selected for funding is below. Funding for each project is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.
- • City of Cotulla – $509,000 direct loan to renovate the A.B. Alexander Convention Center• Starr County – $8,178,000 direct loan and $35,000 grant to renovate the courthouse
• City of Groesbeck – $707,000 direct loan and $35,000 grant to renovate and make additions to the library
• City of Port Isabel – $4,000,000 direct loan to build a visitor & community/emergency command center
• Hall County – $28,100 grant to purchase 2 police vehicles
• Coryell County – City of Port Isabel – $21,957,000 direct loan to build a jail and law enforcement center
• Munday CISD – $35,000 grant to purchase a school bus
• City of Olton – $14,962 grant to install an early warning system
• Friends of Silverton Library – $94,490 grant to remodel an existing building for library use
• Mathis Clubs and Library – $9,735 grant to replace HVAC equipment
• City of Rising Star – $34,729 grant to purchase a police vehicle
• City of Cross Plains – $33,981 grant to purchase a police car
• Bexar County Emergency Services Dist No. 6 – $3,182,000 direct loan and $35,000 grant to build an evacuation and training center
• City of Anson General Hospital – $77,500 direct loan and $35,000 grant to fund an electronic medical records system
• Electra Hospital District – $77,000 direct loan and $30,000 grant to purchase and equip an ambulance
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. 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. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of nearly $149 billion in loans and loan guarantees. Visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/tx for additional information about the agency’s programs or to locate the USDA Rural Development office nearest you.
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