Nebraska Community Facilities Set to Rebuild with USDA Disaster Grants
In an effort to repair and restore community facilities impacted by various disasters in 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has rolled out a beneficial grant program. These grants, amassing up to a substantial $50 million in total, are being provided through the aptly named Community Facilities Disaster Repair Grants Program. This initiative received a significant financial boost through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, enabling it to extend a helping hand to more communities in need.
To be deemed eligible for these grants, the facilities in question must be located in rural areas, each with a population of no more than 20,000. Furthermore, these areas must be officially recognized as disaster areas by the President. Notably, a wide range of entities can apply for these grants. Public bodies, federally recognized Indian Tribes, and community-based nonprofits that find themselves located in these disaster-affected areas are all eligible applicants.
These much-needed funds can be utilized for a variety of purposes, all aimed at restoring community facilities to their original state or better. This can range from repairing critical community facilities to replacing damaged equipment or vehicles that were crucial for the facility’s operation. The grants can even extend to the purchase of new equipment that may be necessary for the repair and restoration efforts. It should be noted, however, that the grants are expected to cover up to 75% of the total project cost. Applicants must also demonstrate their inability to finance the project from existing resources or commercial credit. The grants are not designed to cover expenses already reimbursed by other sources or those covered by insurance.
Eligibility extends to a number of counties. These include Antelope, Boone, Burt, Cedar, Cuming, Custer, Dixon, Frontier, Furnas, Garfield, Greeley, Holt, Knox, Logan, Pierce, Polk, Red Willow, Sherman, Thurston, Valley, Wayne, Wheeler, and York. These areas have the opportunity to witness a resurgence in their community facilities with the aid of the USDA.
The USDA is accepting applications for the Community Facilities Disaster Repair Grants on a rolling basis until all funds have been allocated. There are no predefined minimum or maximum limits set for each project, allowing a broad range of projects to potentially benefit from the initiative.
For those interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, further information is readily available. Kelley Messenger can be contacted at [email protected] for personal inquiries. Alternatively, one can visit rd.usda.gov/ne to find more detailed information on the grant and the application process. This effort by the USDA showcases a commitment to aiding communities in their hour of need, providing a much-needed boost to bring life back to these rural areas.
