Communities and organizations in rural areas often seek funding for important construction projects from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development. This funding assists with construction of infrastructure and community facilities. Essential community infrastructure is key in ensuring that rural areas enjoy the same basic quality of life and services enjoyed by those in urban areas. Through USDA's Community Facilities Program, communities and organizations are able to secure long-term, secure funding, that may not be available otherwise.
Projects may include fire and rescue stations, village and town halls, health care clinics, hospitals, adult and child care centers, assisted living facilities, rehabilitation centers, public buildings, schools, libraries, and many other community-based initiatives. Financing may also cover the costs for land acquisition, professional fees, and purchase of equipment. These facilities not only improve the basic quality of life but assist in the development and sustainability of rural America.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires that federal spending, such as loan programs administered by the USDA-RD, go through an environmental review process. This helps ensure that important ecosystems, farmland, historical sites, endangered species, sites with historical tribal significance and wetlands are protected.
The Environmental Finance Center is able to assist organizations with completing this environmental report. We have in-house capabilities to assist USDA RD applicants in completing this important step* to securing funding for their projects in a timely manner. The Environmental Finance Center takes pride in its ability to assist organizations in gaining financing by completion of these reports.
For more information on USDA-Rural Development visit www.rd.usda.gov.
Lean more on the specifics of the program by contacting your state office:
Kansas Missouri Nebraska Iowa
Looking for assistance? Contact: Nick Willis, Senior Program Manager, Wichita State University Environmental Finance Center, nicholas.willis@wichita.edu, (316) 978-6538.
* Note, depending upon project scope and specific details, sometimes a more in-depth review of environmental conditions is necessary. WSU EFC completes Environmental Reports under RD Instruction 1970-B, Exhibit C.