The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has announced it is providing about $1.1 billion in loans and grants to help construct and upgrade rural community facilities in nearly every state, including health care buildings, schools and libraries. The aid, which the department announced on Jan. 26, will go to more than 730 rural projects in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.
Most of the projects are buildings, but equipment, such as first responders’ vehicles, also are eligible for the funds. And though most of the individual loans and grants are small amounts, there are exceptions.