BISBEE �” When one thinks of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, what normally comes to mind is a government entity that supports agriculture, handles food recalls and approves medications. But, there is far more this department does to help rural counties and citizens through the USDA Rural Development program in ways that are mostly unknown.

To bring the litany of programs available to the county, Alan Stephens, director of the Arizona USDA Rural Development program, and Todd Madeksza, director of legislative affairs, talked with the Cochise County Board of Supervisors in a recent work session to highlight what’s available to help the county and its residents.

According to Stephens, the rural development agency within the USDA is dedicated to serving the needs of small town, rural America through 43 loans and grants.

“We deliver an array of programs that respond to the needs of Arizona’s rural communities, for housing, business, community facilities and utility systems,” he said. “Our mission is to enhance the ability of rural communities to develop, to grow, and to improve their quality of life by targeting financial and technical resources into areas with the greatest need for activities with the greatest potential.”

USDA Rural Development has received $650 million from stimulus funding to aid rural Arizona that can be used in projects such as housing, wastewater treatment, community facilities, recycling and more in communities of 10,000 people or fewer and, in other instances, communities of 20,000 or fewer, said Stephens.

Supervisor Richard Searle asked if an unincorporated Huachuca City area could be helped with money to fund hook-ups to the existing town wastewater system. Huachuca City wants to annex the enclave and a loan or grant toward connecting that area to the wastewater system would help residents.

Stephens said such a project would be eligible for USDA Rural Development funding and that $30 million to $60 million was available statewide for such endeavors.

USDA Rural Development also offers loans for business and industry by working with banks to help serve small business opportunities, maintain employment and improve the economic base line in rural communities. Such loans can be used for working capital, machinery and equipment, buildings, real estate and certain types of debt refinancing.

“This program represents a true private-public partnership,” Stephens said. “By expanding the lending capabilities of private lenders and providing quality loans, we can help provide lasting community benefits.”

Of course, there are requirements of eligibility for any of these loans through USDA Rural Development, which include expertise in the area the grant would assist, maintain the financial strength to ensure objectives can be accomplished and prove the community economic benefits.

For farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses, USDA Rural Development provides energy efficiency grants for up to 25 percent of the project costs.

Governmental agencies (counties and cities) and nonprofit organizations can apply for funds to be used for construction, expansion or improvements through the community facility loan program, said Stephens. Emergency services and law enforcement agencies may also be eligible for RD assistance as well as childcare centers, community buildings, libraries and schools.

Copper Queen Community Hospital’s Palominas clinic was expanded in part with -USDA Rural Development funds. Other health facilities that could apply for assistance are hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes, Stephens added.

“These loans and grants have helped struggling families save their homes, helped small businesses stay afloat, and helped communities provide basic health and sanitary services right here in Arizona. They have not only boosted the economy, but the human spirit,” he said.

PROJECTS

Recent Cochise County U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development projects:

• Bisbee Hospital Association, $7.1 million loan

• Bisbee Hospital Association, $2.8 loan and grant

• Sulphur Springs Electric Co-op, $99,750 grant

• Willcox Village Shopping Center, $2.325 million grant and loan

• Mescal/J6 Fire District, $160,000 loan

• Sunsites-Pearce Fire District, $19,165 grant

This is only a partial list of the more than $16,264,365 received through one of the programs. More than $14,300,000 in housing loans and grants were also made to applicants from Cochise County.

Learn more

For information on USDA community programs, call (602) 280-8745 or visit the USDA website at: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome