Funding from U.S. Department of Agriculture
Iowa libraries in rural communities with a population under 20,000 that meet median household income (MHI) guidelines are eligible for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to construct, enlarge or improve the library. Since the installation of Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary last year, the USDA has shown an increased interest in public libraries.
The USDA’s Rural Development Community Facilities Grant Program, http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia/cp_cf_grant.html has been designated by Secretary Vilsack to receive additional grant funds through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Libraries that meet the population and median household income guidelines have always been eligible for the Community Facilities program, which provides loans, grants or a combination of the two for construction, improvements, equipment and other services. What's different now is that because of ARRA, the cap on the grant funding amount has increased from $100,000 to $500,000!
Use of the Funds
These funds may be used to build new or improve library facilities, as well as enhance library services including Internet access. Additional examples of how a library might use the funds are:
- handicapped accessibility, roof, parking lot
- sidewalks, restrooms, lighting
- shelving, energy efficiency including windows
- heating / AC, sprinkler system
- teen area, furniture, Wi-Fi, computers for the public
- desks for the public access computers
The Iowa office of USDA Rural Development is especially interested in working with public libraries that would be able to bring a major building project to fruition with the addition of USDA funding.
Eligibility
Applicants are eligible to apply for grant assistance on a graduated scale, based on the median household income (MHI) and population of the service area. Based on data from the 2000 census, grant assistance cannot exceed the following percentages of eligible project costs:
- 75% - community population of 5,000 or less, MHI less than $23,988
- 55% - community population of 12,000 or less, MHI less than $27,986
- 35% - community population of 20,000 or less, MHI less than $31,984
- 15% - community population of 20,000 or less, MHI less than $35,982
Applying for Funds
To pursue this opportunity, contact your local Rural Development office, http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia/Ia_locations.html . Applicants are encouraged to apply for special ARRA funding as soon as possible. Funds will remain through September 30, 2010, or until all dollars have been awarded. Please be aware that applicants will be encouraged to apply for both grants and low-interest loans.
If your library is eligible, we strongly encourage you to consider taking advantage of this opportunity. The Iowa office of USDA Rural Development looks forward to working with public libraries. “Rural communities are important to the lifeblood of country and the Obama Administration is committed to keeping them strong by providing Recovery Act funding to projects such as libraries that improve the quality of life in these communities,” said Bill Menner, USDA Rural Development State Director in Iowa.
General Information
USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program helps finance essential facilities in communities with 20,000 or fewer residents. These facilities include libraries, child care centers, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted-living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation.
Further information about this and other USDA Rural Development programs is available by calling (515) 284-4663 or at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ia.
