Concord, NH — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the selection of three New Hampshire projects for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), which will improve needed infrastructure, enhance public safety, and create economic opportunity.

“These vital community service projects will improve the quality of life in the towns they serve,” said Molly Lambert State Director for USDA Rural Development. “USDA Rural Development’s Community Facility Programs, through the Recovery Act, is pleased to support the President and USDA Secretary’s goals of providing essential public safety, healthcare facilities, and other rural critical infrastructure such as public libraries.”

In Whitefield, NH, the Whitefield Town Library will receive an $80,000 loan and $170,000 grant to construct a building addition which will expand the children and adult libraries. The funds will also allow the library to enhance internet access, add a community room, meet American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, remedy health and safety issues and increase its overall energy efficiency.

Whitefield will support Rural Development’s Rural Libraries Initiative which targets $100 million of Community Facility Recovery Act funds to support the construction, renovation, expansion or improvement of public libraries across rural America. These investments will enhance the ability of rural libraries to provide vital resources, such as equipment purchases, accessibility modifications, or facility expansions giving them the opportunity to serve as a vital resource.  More information regarding the Rural Libraries Initiative can be found at  mms://ocbmtcwmp.usda.gov/content/secy/cvilsack1CAP.wmv.

In Laconia, NH, Lakes Region Community Services will receive an $85,100 grant to purchase three vans capable of transporting disabled patients. They will also buy new computers, phone systems and internet connectivity for a new office space.

The Town of Hinsdale will receive a $38,000 loan and $200,000 grant to purchase and equip a new fire truck.

This Recovery Act funding is provided through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities program, which helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas.  These facilities include child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. 

Funding of individual recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the loan or grant agreement.

The USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities program helps finance essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include child care 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. For more information about USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program in New Hampshire contact the Rob Fry at (603) 223-6045 or visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/vt.

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

           

USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business, and community infrastructure and facilities programs. 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.