Ozark County included in USDA $150 million grant aid program

Ozark is among 70 counties in Missouri included in a U.S. Department of Agriculture’s declaration of $150 million in grants to help rural communities continue their recovery from natural disasters, including flooding.

The announcement is in conjunction with an earlier nationwide announcement from USDA.The $150 million is included in the Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act President Trump signed into law on June 6.

The grants may be used for relief in areas affected by Hurricanes Michael and Florence; wildfires in 2018; and other natural disasters where the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has provided a notice declaring a Major Disaster Declaration and assigned a FEMA disaster recovery (DR) number.Grant applications will be accepted at a local USDA Rural Development office on a continual basis until funds are exhausted. Grant assistance will be provided on a graduated scale; smaller communities with the lowest median household income are eligible for a higher proportion of grant funds. For application details and additional information, see page 47477 of the Sept. 10 Federal Register.

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 eligible rural areas with a population of 20,000 or less.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas.

Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting rd.usda.gov/mo or by calling (573) 876-0995.

USDA Rural Development has 25 offices across the state to serve the 2.2 million residents living in rural Missouri, with the West Plains location being the closest for Ozark County’s needs.

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