January 28, 2014. The USDA recently provided $17.6 million through loans and grants provided by the REDLG program. Funding was provided across numerous states and territories, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Through the REDLG program USDA will provide zero-interest loans to utilities that lend funds to local businesses. These local businesses well then, in turn, apply these funds to projects that create and retain employment in rural areas.
USDA also awarded four Rural Business Enterprise Grants to provide technical assistance to help establish rural transportation systems and to purchase equipment for infrastructure. This includes a $464,556 grant to The Community Transportation Association of America, Inc. to establish transportation systems in Iowa and Nebraska.
To receive funding under the REDLG program (which will be forwarded to selected eligible projects) an entity must: (1) have borrowed and repaid or pre-paid an insured, direct, or guaranteed loan received under the Rural Electrification Act or, (2) be a not-for-profit utility that is eligible to receive assistance from the Rural Development Electric or Telecommunication Program, and be a current Rural Development Electric or Telecommunication Programs Borrower.
REDLG grantees and borrowers pass the funding on to eligible projects. Examples of eligible projects include: (1) capitalization of revolving loan funds, (2) technical assistance in conjunction with projects funded under a zero interest REDLoan, (3) Business Incubators, (4) Community Development Assistance to non-profits and public bodies (particularly job creation or enhancement), (5) facilities and equipment for education and training for rural residents to facilitate economic development, (6) facilities and equipment for medical care to rural residents, and (7) Telecommunications/computer networks for distance learning or long distance medical care.
Rural Development announces the availability of money for many of its programs in the Federal Register, through a Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA). Each NOFA lists the application deadlines, eligibility requirements and places where you can get more help in applying for program dollars. You can contact Goosmann Law Firm at info@goosmannlaw.com or by calling 712.226.4000.