Message from State Director Janie Dunning
In the 2016 fiscal year, $892,630,466 of Missouri taxpayer dollars was returned to Missouri as investments. These investments were made in rural communities with the specific purpose of improving lives. We enabled communities to respond to needs, to continue to offer primary services and to provide the best possible environment for community and economic development.
Because Missouri Rural Development staff members are actively engaged, we are not only aware of challenges and opportunities, but we have direct experience and knowledge. Our staff have a presence in the communities through living in, participating with and knowing the people.
Of course, none of our success comes from our efforts alone. We are fully aware of the vital role our partners and stakeholders play in the delivery of our programs. As a result of our strong partnerships, we are able to cooperate and coordinate to offer funding and technical assistance for the benefit of regions throughout the state.
As you are aware, this month will bring transitions. There will be a new federal administration and new leadership will begin for USDA. While the transition will undoubtedly mean changes, Rural Development staff will continue to deliver programs and services. Priorities may change, but the staff will use all their capacity and capabilities to serve Missouri rural communities. I know this will be true because I have witnessed their dedication and desire.
2016 Housing Program Investments: Aiding in Homeownership, Home Repairs and Affordable Rental Housing
Rural Development is committed to assuring homeownership opportunities are available for eligible families and individuals and rural residents are provided with healthy, safe and sanitary homes. We also provide funding for very-low income borrowers to make eligible repairs to their owner-occupied homes.
In addition to homeownership and home repairs, Rural Development supports multi-family housing through loan and loan guarantee programs to finance new and existing affordable rental housing for low to moderate income individuals and families.
In fiscal year 2016, Missouri Rural Development invested a total of $620,823,604 into housing programs. This funding consisted of our Single Family Direct and Guaranteed Loans, Single Family Housing 504 Repair Loans and Grants, Housing Preservation Grants, Multi-Family Housing Rental Assistance and Voucher Program, and our Multi-Family Housing Revitalization Program.
These investments resulted in over 22,000 families and individuals having an affordable an decent place to call home.
To see a complete list of our projects, view our accomplishments list here. The accomplishments list covers dollar amounts and locations of all the projects we’ve funded in fiscal year 2016. This list gives examples of what we can do for you or your community.
2016 Business Program Investments: Assisting Rural Businesses and Supporting Renewable Energy
Rural Development is dedicated to encouraging rural businesses to create jobs,improve existing businesses, and boost economic activity in rural areas. We make it our mission to serve these businesses with the needs they may have to ensure they continue to grow, develop and expand.
Not only do we provide financial assistance to rural businesses, we also aid them in financing renewable energy systems with options including grants, guaranteed loans, and payments used to assist farmers, ranchers, and businesses in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.
In fiscal year 2016, Missouri Rural Development invested $60,530,045 in Business Programs. These investments consisted of Business and Industry Loans, Rural Economic Development Loans, Rural Energy for America Guaranteed Loans and Grants, Rural Business Development Grants, the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program, Value-Added Producer Grants and our Intermediary Relending Program.
These investments resulted in more than 60 businesses being able to create jobs, expand, and improve their operations.
To see a complete list of our business program projects, view our accomplishments list here. The accomplishments list covers dollar amounts and locations of all the projects we’ve funded in fiscal year 2016. This list gives examples of what we can do for you or your community.
2016 Community Program Investments: Helping Communities Thrive and Improving Water and Waste Systems
One of the missions of Rural Development is to develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. This may include hospitals, nursing homes, fire protection, public safety, libraries, schools, day care centers, as well as many other community-based initiatives.
Additionally, Rural Development provides small towns, cooperatives, and non-profits with affordable financing necessary to develop or improve water and wastewater infrastructure through our Water and Waste Disposal program.
In fiscal year 2016, Missouri Rural Development invested $103,112,817 in Community Programs. These investments consisted of Community Facility Direct Loans and Grants, Economic Impact Initiative Grants, Water & Waste Loans and Grants, SEARCH Grants, Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants and Rural Community Development Initiative Grants.
These investments resulted in more than 70 communities developing or improving essential community facilities or infrastructure.
To see a complete list of our community program projects, view our accomplishments list here. The accomplishments list covers dollar amounts and locations of all the projects we’ve funded in fiscal year 2016. This list gives examples of what we can do for you or your community.