0. USDA Rural Development Economic Development Tools
Presented by Jon-Michael Muise
Acting State Director Vermont / New Hampshire
USDA Rural Development
Economic Development Tools

1. How We Help
Increasing economic opportunity and improving the quality of life for all rural Americans
$149,566,057 invested in Vermont communities in 2016
216 communities engaged

2. 40-Plus Programs Helping Rural Vermont and New Hampshire
Housing
Community
Business

3. Housing Programs Guaranteed Loans Direct Loan Grant
Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan
Multi-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan
Single Family Housing Direct Loan
Multi-Family Direct Loan
Farm Labor Housing Direct Loan
Home Repair Direct Loan
Multi-Family Rental Assistance
Housing Preservation Grants
Home Repair Grants
Guaranteed Loans
Direct Loan
Grant

4. Housing Programs Jennifer and Anna Florino
A single mother who achieved homeownership through the Single Family Direct Home Loan program.
61 VT households purchased homes through the direct loan program in FY16
414 VT households purchased homes with the support of a Rural Development guarantee in FY16.

5. Community Programs: Essential Facilities
Larger, financially stronger applicants including health and educational institutions
Guarantee up to 90%
Must show ability to repay
Recipients include non-profits and municipalities.
Projects include safety services, arts organizations and health services
Pays for portion of project, usually 15-35%
Scoring process for selection
Guaranteed Loan
Direct Loan
Grant

6. Water and Environmental Programs/Utilities
Community Programs:
Water and Environmental Programs/Utilities
Guarantees possible, but have not been used in these programs
Funding for water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure
Secured by General Obligation Bonds
Current interest rates 2% %
Water and Environmental Program Grants
Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants
Guaranteed Loan
Direct Loan
Grant

7. Community Programs
The Town of Wilmington received over $2M of Rural Development support to upgrade its water treatment facilities in FY15.
In FY2016, Rural Development helped 18 communities improve water services to over 29,000 Vermonters.

8. Business and Cooperative Programs
Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program
Rural Energy for America Program Guaranteed Loan
Intermediary Relending Program
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program
Rural Business Development Grants
Value Added Producer Grants
Rural Energy for America Grant Program
Guaranteed Loan
Direct Loan
Grant

9. Business and Cooperative Programs
Kingdom Pellets
$2.5 million USDA Rural Energy for America loan guarantee with Community National Bank
Feasibility study supported by a Rural Business Development Grant to the Northern Forest Center
USDA Rural Development Business Programs helped to create and preserve over 1000 jobs in Vermont.

10. Community and Economic Development
Encourages multi-jurisdictional planning
Set asides for projects supporting the goals of a multi-jurisdictional plan
Additional funding opportunities for Vermont
Community led planning process
Strategic reorganization in FY16-17
Supports REAP Zone designation
Leveraged funding
MOU to support VCRD Community Visit Process
Supported 5 VCRD Community Visits FY16
Directed resources to participating communities
Supporting Climate Change Economy Project
Farm Bill Section 6025
NEK Collaborative
Vermont Council on Rural Development

11. www.rd.usda.gov/vt VT/ NH State Office: 802.828.6080
87 State Street, Suite 324
P.O. Box 249
Montpelier, VT
Brattleboro Office:
28 Vernon Street, Suite 333
Brattleboro, VT
St. Johnsbury Office:
X 125
481 Summer Street, Suite 203
St. Johnsbury, VT
Jon-Michael Muise Acting State Director VT/NH