USDA Invests Over $3.5 Million to Improve Rural Community Facilities and Essential Services in Kansas

TOPEKA, Kans. June 23, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $3.51 million to equip, rebuild, and modernize essential services in rural areas of Kansas. The investments will directly benefit more than 13,000 Kansans.
“The Biden-Harris Administration has made investing in infrastructure improvements a priority,” Fischer said. “These loans and grants will help rural communities invest in facilities and services that are vital to all communities, such as schools, libraries, hospitals and health clinics.”
Background:
USDA is investing nationally in 233 projects through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. Of these, 74 awards, totaling $4 million, will help communities with their long-term recovery efforts following natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and tornadoes.
The Department is making investments in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.
Below are the specifics of the Kansas investments:
Spearville – A $1,392,000 loan will cover the increased cost of construction materials on a senior living campus consisting of 14 units of skilled nursing and 12 apartments for assisted living. This includes communal dining, an open kitchen and a home-like feeling among the residents and staff. Once the project is complete, it will provide the community with quality senior health care and housing that will allow them to stay closer to family.

Alma – A $303,300 grant and a $1,173,700 loan will be used to replace portions of the existing gas supply line that runs along Kansas Highway 99 between the city of Wamego and Interstate 70. There will be construction of approximately 28,000 feet of new high-pressure natural gas main. To complete this project the City has acquired grant funds from the Kansas Department of Commerce in the form of a Community Development Block Grant. When the project is completed the city will have a safe and reliable means of getting natural gas to rural residents of their community and the surrounding area.

Altamont – A $260,000 loan will be used to purchase a commercial fire truck for use by the city of Altamont and Mount Pleasant Township. The new truck will be built with all the standard features thus allowing continued reliable service to residents in the area. This truck will replace their old 1995 model truck that has reached the end of its useful life. Once this project is completed, it will provide rural residents with access to new and improved public safety.
Humboldt – A $50,000 grant and a $255,000 loan will be used to purchase a custom fire apparatus pumper. The new truck is a diesel, automatic transmission with twice the equipment storage capacity as the current truck. It is Foam-ready, which will expand the types of fires the department can handle. The current truck is 27 years old and lacks safety restraints for some riders.
Sterling – A $76,000 grant will be used to repair and upgrade several areas of the existing Sterling Medical Center. Upgrades will include mechanical, plumbing, electrical, foundation and structural systems. Once complete, this facility will provide the community with access to new and improved health care services.
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities 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 learn more about Community Facilities Program funding opportunities, contact a USDA Rural Development state office. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants (PDF, 669 KB) for a detailed overview of the application process.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov . If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.