USDA giving grants, loans for work in Bladen, Columbus counties

RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden has announced a new slate of economic development projects to lower costs, create jobs and upgrade critical infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities, in North Carolina, participating in the Rural Partners Network.

USDA is awarding approximately $12.7 million in grants and loans to support 14 economic development projects that will help rural and Tribal communities address immediate needs and create sustainable economic growth. Many of these projects are the direct result of collaboration between community networks and federal RPN staff living and working in the communities.

Projects will lower costs for families and small businesses, create jobs and expand business opportunities. Communities will use funding to transition to clean energy, modernize infrastructure, provide affordable housing and enhance community water and food supplies.

Four of the projects are in the Cape Fear:

· In Bladen County, Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial Inc. will use a $150 thousand USDA Rural Business Development Grant to assist a healthcare provider to relocate to the Elizabethtown area to provide primary care and dermatological services for the county.

· In Bladen County, Gooden Village NC LLC, will use a $776 thousand USDA Multi-Family Housing Loan (MFHL) to assist in the transfer, assumption and rehabilitation of a senior Section 515 multi-family housing complex. The project consists of 24 one-bedroom units.

· In Columbus County, Chadwick Place NC LLC, will use a $981 thousand USDA MFHL to assist in the transfer, assumption and rehabilitation of Chadwick Place Apartments, an existing family Section 515 multi-family housing complex. The project consists of 20 two-bedroom and four three-bedroom units.

· In Columbus County, Berry Park NC LLC, will use a $559 thousand USDA MFHL to assist in the transfer, assumption and rehabilitation of Berry Park Apartments, a senior Section 515 multi-family housing complex. The project consists of 18 one-bedroom units.