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Last updated on Thursday, February 11, 2016
(INDIANAPOLIS) - United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has released its Fiscal Year 2015 data for Indiana. $780,786,633 in investments was approved for projects in the state during the past fiscal year which ran from October 1, 2014, through September 30, 2015.
USDA Rural Development Indiana State Director Phil Lehmkuhler said, "Not only was this a remarkable year for USDA Rural Development but also for the residents of Indiana. The impact these dollars make throughout the state will touch the lives of many Hoosiers. USDA Rural Development is committed to revitalizing Indiana's 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."
USDA Rural Development's Business Programs invested $18,722,647 through 79 projects. The purpose of the B&I Guaranteed Loan Program is to improve, develop, or finance business, industry, and employment and improve the economic and environmental climate in rural communities. This purpose is achieved by bolstering the existing private credit structure through the guarantee of quality loans which will provide lasting community benefits.
$1.8 million was funded through Renewable Energy for America Program (REAP) loans and grants. REAP helps increase American energy independence by increasing the private sector supply of renewable energy and decreasing the demand for energy through energy efficiency improvements. Over time, these investments can also help lower the cost of energy costs for small businesses and agricultural producers.
Community Programs provided 15 community projects worth $1,761,300 and 16 Water & Waste projects for $15,824,825. Three Utility Program projects were approved for $102,000,000.
Community/Utility Programs are the foundation of rural infrastructure. Community Programs provide loans and grants and loan guarantees for water and environmental projects, as well as community facilities projects. Water and environmental projects include water systems, waste systems, solid waste, and storm drainage facilities. Community facilities projects develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas and may include hospitals, fire protection, safety, as well as many other community-based initiatives. The Utilities Program can provide electric power and telecommunications services which help rural areas expand economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for their residents.
Housing Programs invested $642,477,861 in Indiana housing through 5,796 projects and rental assistance, helping a 5,424 rural Hoosiers purchase their own home in the past 12 months.
Since 2009, under President Obama, USDA Rural Development has invested $11 billion nationally, in more than 103,000 rural businesses to start or expand their operations; helped more than 1 million rural residents buy homes; funded nearly 7,000 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; financed 180,000 miles of new and improved electric transmission and distribution lines; supported 254 broadband projects completed with funds provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, bringing high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents, 17,500 businesses and 1,900 community facilities; and partnered in many other efforts to improve the economic conditions and quality of life for rural Americans.
President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.
Further information on Rural Development programs is also available at USDA's web site at www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA Indiana Area Offices
AREA 1
Columbia City Area Office
788 W. Connexion Way, Suite E
Columbia City, IN 46725-0699
260-244-6266 Ext. 4
AREA 2
North Vernon Area Office
600 Highway 7 North
North Vernon, IN 47265
812-346-3411 Ext. 4
AREA 3
Bloomfield Area Office
104 CR 70 E, Suite C
Bloomfield, IN 47424-8730
812-384-4634 Ext. 4
AREA 4
Muncie Area Office
3641 N Briarwood Lane
Muncie, IN 47304
765-747-5531 Ext. 4
AREA 5
Crawfordsville Area Office
2032 Lebanon Road
Crawfordsville, IN 47933-2143
765-362-0405 Ext. 4
AREA 6
Jasper Area Office
1484 Executive Boulevard
Jasper, IN 47546-9300
812-482-1171 Ext. 4
AREA 7
Knox Area Office
1410 South Heaton Street, Suite B
Knox, IN 46534-2314
574-772-3066 Ext. 4
STATE OFFICE
5975 Lakeside Boulevard
Indianapolis, IN 46278
317-290-3100
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