USDA awards over $11 million in loans to rural Nebraska communities

Nebraska is one of 29 states receiving loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop community facilities in rural areas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced today it would be investing 237 million dollars in 119 rural community facilities across the country. Nebraska has five recipients receiving funds, totaling more than 11 million dollars.

These projects are supported through the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, which provides funds to purchase, construct or improve essential community facilities.

Community Programs Director Denise Meeks says the program is important for Nebraska, as the majority of the state is made of rural communities.

"I think it provides services to those that maybe, they hadn’t had previously in their communities such as upgraded healthcare facilities,” she said. “Whether it be the hospital or hospitals or medical clinics.”