Commissioners presented with USDA programs

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GONZALES — County Commissioners on Dec. 14 received a presentation on USDA programs available to rural communities.

Rural Development Specialist Dorothy Aupperle spoke to commissioners on a variety of topics such as rural housing, rural utilities, business, energy and cooperative programs and community programs.

Aupperle said the USDA focuses on the future of rural communities, and is dedicated to increasing economic opportunities and improving the quality of life.

She mentioned that a point of interest for rural communities is infrastructure, which covers items like electric power, water and sewer.

One available program — the Water and Waste Disposal Program — is funded by direct loans and grants and is used to fund water and disposal projects in rural areas that need financial help.  Public entities, non-profit organizations and recognized tribes qualify for these funds for building, repairing and improving public water systems, waste collection systems, treatment systems and other related costs. These would be located in rural areas with populations under 10,000. 

Interest rates are based on current market yields for municipal obligations. Repayment of this loan can be made in increments over a 40-year period.

Aupperle added that under USDA guidelines, funds could be used by any city in Gonzales County because its county seat (Gonzales) has less than 10,000 people.

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