USDA provides infrastructure grants to support rural communities

CARSON CITY—Five Nevada projects are included in an $8 million investment in community infrastructure announced Thursday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Nevada’s Tribal and rural recipients will get nearly $135,000 in grants and an additional $8.2 million in loans.

The rural infrastructure investments are a major part of the priorities outlined by President Joe Biden.

“These loans and grants will help rural communities invest in facilities and services that are vital to all communities, such as health care facilities, schools, libraries, and first responder vehicles and equipment,” said USDA Deputy Secretary Jewel Bronaugh. “When we invest in essential services in rural America, we build opportunity and prosperity for the people who call rural communities home.”

Projects funded in Nevada include:

• A $100,000 loan and $50,000 grant to Lincoln County Fire District to replace two aged fire trucks with a newer vehicle, in turn increasing water capacity, reducing maintenance costs, and providing mutual aid to neighboring areas in Lincoln County.
• An $8,100,000 loan to Elko Institute of Academic Achievement in Elko County to construct a charter school serving 396 students in the City of Elko and surrounding area. The new facility will allow the school to move out of leased warehouse space and will meet the school’s need for additional classrooms, a full-service kitchen, multi-purpose room, and more to support the learning environment.
• A $24,000 grant to Fallon Paiute Shoshone Tribe to purchase a new vehicle for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe’s Environment Protection Department’s mosquito abatement program. The department conducts monitoring, surveillance, and additional services for the reservation and colony areas, benefitting 1,700 residents.
• A $19,510 grant to Elko Band Council of the Te-Maok Tribe of Western Shoshone for a projector and screen to be used during community events. This purchase will increase accessibility for community participants. The funds will also assist in the replacement of two swamp coolers for the local health and wellness center. These projects will serve 797 residents.
• A $41,250 grant to Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe to help purchase a new vehicle for the Tribal police department, which will be used as a full-time vehicle for the Tribe’s school resource officer.

Source: USDA