WASHINGTON, November, 4, 2009 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the selection of $13.1 million in community facilities projects that are being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. USDA has announced more than $268 million in Recovery Act funding for community facility projects to date.

"The Obama Administration is committed to revitalizing rural communities and bringing quality facilities such as hospitals, public buildings and community centers to small towns and cities that can benefit from new construction or upgrades to existing ones," Vilsack said.

In Grant County, Wis., the Hazel Green Community Development Authority has been selected to receive a $1 million loan to build a new village hall and replace the original 1920's facility which is too small and not up to commercial code. The new building will provide a safe and adequately-sized space in which to house the village library, the police office, municipal meeting rooms and office space for village employees.

The East Dubuque Library District in Jo Daviess County, Ill., has been selected to receive a $310,000 loan and a $30,000 grant for the construction of a new library building. The library district will purchase and renovate the old city hall building in downtown East Dubuque. Located along the Mississippi river, East Dubuque has a population of nearly 2,000.

In addition to the $13.1 million that USDA Rural Development is providing to fund the 14 projects announced today, recipients will combine that funding with $2.6 million from other sources.

The funding announced today is being provided through USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities program, which helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include childcare centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Through this program, USDA ensures that such facilities are available to all rural residents. These funds are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes.

Funding of each loan and grant recipient is contingent upon meeting the conditions of the agreement. Below is a complete list of the selected recipients:

Below is a complete list of the selected recipients:

California

Glenn County - $50,000 grant; replacement of computer and software equipment

City of Mendota - $39,325 grant; equipment for the police department

Colorado

Crestone Youth Plaza, Inc. - $25,000 grant; computers and furniture for a youth center

Georgia

East Georgia Healthcare Center, Inc. - $1,020,395 loan; purchase and renovation of a healthcare center

Illinois

East Dubuque Library District - $310,000 loan; $30,000 grant; renovation of old City Hall to relocate the community library

Michigan

Comstock Community Center - $1,946,000 loan; expansion of a center in order to offer additional services

Jerome Township Fire/Township Hall - $2,569,000 loan; $135,000 grant; construction of a fire station and town hall; utilizing 'green' construction

Missaukee County - $240,000 loan; $75,000 grant for heating systems in four buildings.

North Carolina

Town of Williamston Public Safety Center - $2,138,000 loan; $200,000 grant; renovate an existing facility to house the police department, fire department and emergency operations

Carolina Family Health Centers, Inc.- (Harvest FHC) - $1,400,000 loan; addition to allow for the provision of more services.

Cramerton Police Station/Town hall - $1,440,000 loan, rehabilitate the town hall to make it fully accessible and turn the third floor into the police station.

Town of Littleton-Town Hall - $93,510 loan; $114,290 grant, for renovation of the building

Tennessee

City of Newport - $245,000 loan; $50,000 grant, for a solid waste transfer station

Wisconsin

Hazel Green Community Development Authority - $1,000,000 loan for construction of the new village hall

President Obama signed The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 into law on Feb. 17, 2009. It is designed to jumpstart the nation's economy, create or save millions of jobs and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so our country can thrive in the 21st century. The Act includes measures to modernize our nation's infrastructure, enhance energy independence, expand educational opportunities, preserve and improve affordable health care, provide tax relief, and protect those in greatest need.

More information about USDA's Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery . More information about the Federal government's efforts on the Recovery Act is available at www.recovery.gov .

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