DARLINGTON — USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dr. Basil Gooden on July 29, alongside State Director Julie Lassa and Lafayette County and Memorial Hospital officials, highlighted nearly $61 million in investments through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities programs for construction of a new state of the art critical access healthcare facility. This investment is expected to benefit nearly 9,700 people who live and work in the surrounding area.
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA know that a strong community is rooted in the health and well-being of its people,” Under Secretary Gooden said. “This new investment demonstrates our commitment to expanding access to critical infrastructure and high-quality health care services for the people of Darlington and the surrounding areas.”
Constructed in the early 1950s, Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County in Darlington, Wisconsin has been a health care staple for the nearly 9,700 residents in its service area and continues to be one of Lafayette County’s largest employers with over 140 staff members. Unfortunately, a growing local population and no opportunity for expansion in its current condition and location, a new facility is needed to provide modernized health care services.
With help from a nearly $46 million loan and $9 million in grants through USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant program, and a partnership with private lender Compeer Financial on a $5 million loan guaranteed through USDA’s Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan program, a new 75,000 square foot critical access hospital will be built to address these growing needs.
Dr. Gooden had a chance to tour the construction site of the soon-to-be-completed state-of-the-art facility that will replace the existing facility nearing its 75th anniversary in operation. Once completed, the new facility will provide a comprehensive layout for easy patient and service provider navigation and feature a hospital with 24 beds, emergency and radiology departments, surgical and dietary facilities, rehabilitation space, eyecare clinic, a lab and administration offices.
Part of the $61 million total investment also includes $1 million in American Rescue Plan funding through USDA’s Emergency Rural Health Care Grant program. This funding will help to purchase modernized equipment for each of the service areas that will be provided within the hospital.
The Biden-Harris Administration made these funds available through its historic legislative package, the American Rescue Plan Act. Within months after the Act’s passage, USDA responded quickly by making this funding available to ensure the long-term availability of rural health care services. In total, the program will use up to $475 million in grants provided by President Biden’s American Rescue Plan to expand rural hospitals and providers. Additional awards will be announced in the coming months.
Background: Emergency Rural Health Care Grants
Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021 to deliver immediate economic relief to people impacted by the pandemic.
In August 2021, USDA made up to $500 million in Emergency Rural Health Care Grants available through the Act to help rural health care facilities, tribes and communities expand access to health care services and nutrition assistance.
The assistance is helping provide immediate relief to support rural hospitals, health care clinics and local communities. USDA is administering the funds through Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program.
Background: Community Facilities
More than 100 types of projects are eligible for Community Facilities funding. Eligible applicants include municipalities, public bodies, nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Native American tribes. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/community-facilities/community-facilities-direct-loan-grant-program/wi.
Interested parties should contact their local Wisconsin Rural Development office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility. Also see the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program Guidance Book for Applicants for a detailed overview of the application process.
Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America.
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