USDA Announces Funding For New ‘Green’ Facility

Topeka, KS - Greensburg’s recovery journey took another significant step forward this week with USDA Rural Development’s approval of a $900,000 agency grant to complete the expected financing needs for the community’s new City Hall.  USDA joins FEMA, along with insurance proceeds and a City contribution, in providing funding assistance for Greensburg’s effort to replace its City Hall which was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado that struck the community on May 4, 2007.

In announcing USDA Rural Development’s latest Greensburg funding approval, agency State Director Chuck Banks commented, “Establishing a new permanent City Hall is vital to the redevelopment of Greensburg and Kiowa County.  It takes effective and progressive partnerships to help rebuild a community following a disaster such as what struck Greensburg, and USDA appreciates the opportunity to work with the community and its many resources to assist in its recovery process.” 

Greensburg Mayor Bob Dixson said following the USDA announcement, “We are excited about the opportunity to partnership with, and the grant from USDA Rural Development to help fund the new City Hall. We are getting ready and looking forward to the ground breaking, and appreciate USDA Rural Development for helping rebuild Greensburg and Kiowa County.”

The total cost of Greensburg’s new energy-efficient LEED Platinum City Hall will be approximately $2,952,500. In addition to USDA’s $900,000 grant from the Agency’s Community Facilities Program, other funding sources for the project include $282,000 in insurance proceeds, $1,188,525 from FEMA, $396,172 from KDEM and a City contribution of $185,803.  USDA delivered the Agency’s ‘Letter of Condition’ approval to the Greensburg City Council on September 15^th.

U.S. Senator Pat Roberts commenting on USDA’s funding announcement said, “We have seen real results from the critical partnership of federal, state, local and private funds in Greensburg. I am most gratified that city employees and residents will soon have permanent facilities for essential city services.” 

Congressman Jerry Moran also remarked, “The Greensburg community has worked hard to recover from damage to the area caused by an EF-5 tornado over a year ago. The announcement today that Greensburg is receiving USDA funding for a new City Hall is especially important as it will help move the community forward. I commend the Greensburg community, and all of those who are involved in the recovery process, for their eagerness to rebuild.” 

During today’s announcement, State Director Banks thanked the Kansas Congressional Delegation for their continued support of the Agency’s Greensburg recovery effort, along with all USDA Rural Development programs.  Over the past eight years alone, the Agency’s Community Facilities Programs have assisted over 607,000 rural Kansans and contributing $36.3 million to support community development projects in the Sunflower State. USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Programs are designed to help fund essential community facilities for a variety of public use in rural areas; such facilities include childcare centers, community centers, hospitals and/or medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue facilities and equipment, libraries, police and emergency vehicles and services, public buildings and transportation services.  

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs that support increasing economic opportunities and enhancing the quality of life for rural Americans.  USDA Rural Development provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technology infrastructure in rural America.  Since 2001, USDA Rural Development has delivered over $1.2 billion to Kansans covering all Agency programs, supporting well over $6 billion in future economic development for the Sunflower State.  For additional information regarding all USDA Rural Development programs, contact the Agency at 785-271-2700 or visit the Agency’s Kansas website at www.rurdev.usda.gov/ks