USDA invests over $6 million in SW MN rural development projects

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it is investing over $73 million in 32 projects that will benefit 183,000 rural residents in more than 20 Minnesota counties. The funding is through the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, and will be used for such purposes as to build or upgrade schools, libraries, clinics and public safety facilities.

In southwestern Minnesota, loan/grant recipients include:

Renville County: Island Living, Inc., $3,184,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to develop a senior assisted living and memory care facility in Bird Island. The new 12,000 square-feet facility will include 15 apartments and suites. The facility will provide all services on-site. The city is also contributing two existing independent living town homes to the organization.

Yellow Medicine County, City of Clarkfield, $2 million. This Rural Development investment will help repair and replace paved city streets, curbs and gutters in the city of Clarkfield, west of Granite Falls. The city of Clarkfield is replacing underground drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer infrastructure, which results in damage to city streets that are already in poor condition. This project will help with essential street improvements and increase the overall quality of life for local residents and businesses.

Kandiyohi County, City of Lake Lillian, $865,000. This Rural Development investment will help repair and replace paved city streets, curbs and gutters in the city of Lake Lillian between Olivia and Willmar. The city is currently replacing underground drinking water, sanitary sewer, and storm sewer infrastructure, which results in damage to city streets that are already in poor condition. This project help with essential street improvements and increase the overall quality of life for local residents and businesses.

City of Belview, $18,000. This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install emergency warning sirens for the city of Belview. The existing sirens do not have a back-up source of power, which creates substantial safety concerns during a weather emergency. The new sirens will have a battery back-up to power them during electrical outages. This project will help ensure the city’s residents have ample warning time of emergencies.