October 06, 2016

Kilmer Announces New Department of Agriculture Grants to Help Revitalize Rural Communities in Washington state

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Derek Kilmer (D-WA) announced that the United States Department of Agriculture will award $20 million to Craft3 to boost rural communities in Washington state. Craft3 is the recipient of this investment through the Community Facilities relending program. Craft3 and other participants in the program will use the funds to provide long-term, low-interest financing to be “re-lent” to local entities that will then build, acquire, or improve key community facilities. The investments can also be used to support essential community services such as education, health care, and infrastructure projects.

“This is great news for communities on the Peninsula,” said Kilmer. “These investments will help local leaders do everything from keep the lights on at a center that supports youth sports, to improve roads through town, to support child care services that families rely on. I’d like to thank the Department of Agriculture for continuing to be a partner in our efforts to keep our rural towns and communities growing.”

“These investments will lift the economic prospects of our communities and create jobs, especially in those areas that have not yet realized their potential for growth,” said Mario Villanueva, Washington State Director. “Thanks to this financing, USDA Rural Development's local partners will have the resources to build, create and invest in the essential community facilities and services, like public safety, health care and education.”  

A portion of the financing that will be provided to communities through this program will be given loan guarantees by financial institutions like Bank of America. Organizations like Craft3 that are relending will also be eligible for $22 million in grants from seven of the nation’s premier philanthropic organizations.  

Craft3 is based in Washington state and Oregon and provides loans that are designed to strengthen businesses, families, and the environment in the Pacific Northwest.