USDA Grants Aim To Help Rural Communities Retain Residents

Montpelier has received a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to purchase a police vehicle and related equipment.

Rural Development is an agency through the USDA designed to help rural communities with populations of less than 20,000 residents raise their standard of living.

Michael Cunningham is a Community Program Specialist for USDA Rural Development in Indiana. He said when people in rural communities have access to amenities such as high speed internet, or even housing loans, communities are more likely to retain residents and grow.

Cunningham said he hopes Indiana residents will continue to apply for the programs offered through the USDA.

“I feel that I’m working with taxpayers money. I want it to go back to Indiana residents, because that’s who pays taxes,” Cunningham said.

The loan received by Montpelier of about $16,000 was provided by the Communities Facility Grant.