USDA to Invest $825K to Give Help to Underserved Rural Hoosiers

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Indiana State Director Dr. Terry Goodin announced yesterday that the USDA is investing $825,000 to expand access to housing and water infrastructure for underserved rural people who live and work in Indiana. The USDA is investing in five projects that will create economic opportunities and improve the lives of Hoosiers in rural Indiana.

The investments are part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to ensure that people living in rural America have equitable access to the infrastructure and economic opportunities they deserve.

“These investments will benefit Hoosiers living in these areas for years to come. Housing Preservation Grants ensure very low-income families get the financial assistance they need to make repairs to their homes,” Goodin said, “Community Facility Disaster Grants ensure towns have the necessary equipment to serve and protect their respective communities.”

The funding benefits Hoosiers in rural Indiana and it reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development addresses economic development, infrastructure and social service needs for rural residents and communities.

For example:

• In Harrison County, Harrison Township Fire Protection District will use a $236,500 grant to replace its aging ladder truck with a new one featuring a 100-foot ladder to allow firefighters to reach the roofs of multiple story structures.
• In Ripley County, Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission will use a $200,000 grant to conduct a homeowner assistance program for housing rehabilitation in Ripley County, Indiana. The Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program will provide low and very low-income families the much-needed financial assistance by completing minor repair work to qualified participants homes.
• In Jefferson County, Southeastern Indiana Regional Planning Commission will use a $175,200 grant to conduct a homeowner assistance program for housing rehabilitation in Jefferson County, Indiana. The Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program will provide low and very low-income families the much-needed financial assistance by completing minor repair work to qualified participants homes.
• In Martin County, Southern Indiana Development Commission will use a $174,800 grant to conduct a homeowner assistance program for housing rehabilitation in Martin County, Indiana. This program will provide low and very low-income families the much-needed financial assistance by completing minor repair work to qualified participants homes.
• In Roann, the town will use a $38,500 grant to purchase a law enforcement sport utility vehicle. This vehicle will replace an older vehicle past the end of its useful life and will allow the town to improve emergency services to the community.

These investments are in addition to the recent expansion of the Rural Partners Network (RPN), which is central to President Biden’s commitment to ensure all rural people can benefit from federal resources. Led by USDA with support from more than 20 federal agencies and commissions, RPN is part of an all-of-government strategy to champion rural people and places, including Native American communities.