Concord, NH - Rhonda Shippee, Acting State Director for USDA Rural Development in New Hampshire is pleased to announce the investment of over $171.5 million in rural New Hampshire during Fiscal Year 2009. “With over 46 programs supporting community infrastructure, home ownership, home preservation, business development, energy conservation and renewable energy, Rural Development’s investments will impact residents, communities and businesses across rural New Hampshire.” said Shippee.

Rural Development’s Housing Programs helped to keep the dream of homeownership alive.  Backed with Recovery Act funds, the Single Family Housing Direct and Guarantee loan programs assisted over 900 individuals and families throughout rural New Hampshire to become homeowners. This is almost three times the number assisted in 2008. Another 125 very low-income and elderly homeowners received low interest loans or a grant to make health and safety improvements so they could safely remain in their homes. Two organizations, Tri-County Community Action and Southwestern Community Services, will use Housing Preservation Grant funds to assist an estimated 80 income eligible homeowners with repairs such as weatherization and accessibility.

Funds were also provided to three organizations that will bring over 70 new and affordable rental housing units to Plymouth, Lebanon, and Tilton. Additionally, existing rental housing properties in Franklin and in Peterborough received assistance to make much needed renovations and improvements.

Rural Development and Recovery Act funds, totaling $35 million, was awarded to six NH communities to provide safe drinking water and improved wastewater treatment systems. Recovery Act funds were used in five of these communities.

The Recovery Act also increased Rural Development efforts in providing Community Facility (CF) Grants, Loans and Loan Guarantee investments in rural New Hampshire. These programs assist communities with financing essential community services. The Strong Foundations Elementary School, Inc. is using their CF Guaranteed loan from First Colebrook Bank to construct a 3,600 square foot addition to their charter school in Pembroke. The 45th Parallel Emergency Medical Service will be using their CF Grant and CF Guaranteed loan, also from First Colebrook Bank, to construct a new ambulance facility in Colebrook.  Several town halls, community buildings, and child centers, now have or will soon have new cruisers, safety and rescue equipment, and improved facilities assuring the continued delivery of the services offered by each recipient. These Recovery Act backed projects support the Obama Administration’s goal of rebuilding and revitalizing the nation’s rural infrastructure.

Rural Development’s Business Programs provided over $5.6 million to rural New Hampshire businesses for access to the capital and technical assistance they need for business expansion and stability. Businesses will receive technical assistance for marketing, web development, financial and strategic planning through the Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program. Nine small business establishments, including greenhouse operations and maple producers, will use the grants they received from the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to purchase and install renewable energy systems or energy efficiency equipment at their operations to reduce their bottom line while helping to preserve the environment with green technology.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in Rural America.  This is done by providing financial and technical assistance to foster growth and new opportunities for business development, home ownership, and critical community and technology infrastructure.  To learn more about USDA Rural Development programs visit the web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/vt.