Office of Rural Affairs TEXAS STATE OFFICE OF RURAL HEALTH Community Development Block Grant Texas Capital Fund Texas Agricultural Finance Authority
Importance Rural Health
Texas State Office of Rural Health - SORH Overall role is to coordinate rural health resources and activities statewide Recruitment of Healthcare Professionals Outstanding Rural Scholar Recognition Program Partnership with communities to support students studying a healthcare profession who agree to serve in a rural community after graduation Rural Communities Healthcare Investment Program (RCHIP) Provides funding for non-physician healthcare professionals who agree to practice in rural areas
Texas State Office of Rural Health - SORH Flex Program: Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program Provides support and technical assistance to Critical Access Hospitals Supports continuing education for healthcare professionals Development of rural health networks SHIP Program: Small Rural Hospital Improvement Program Provides funding to small rural hospitals to help improve quality Capital Improvement Loan Fund: Provides funds for small rural hospitals to make structural improvements and purchase equipment
Resources CDBG
Community Development Block Grant - CDBG Program The primary objective of the US CDBG Program is the development of viable urban communities by providing: Infrastructure improvements A suitable living environment; and Expanding economic opportunities The primary beneficiaries of the program are persons of low/moderate income.
Texas CDBG Program TDA manages Rural CDBG funds in Texas Cities < 50,000 in population Counties < 200,000 in population Community & Economic Development Competitive application process Grants awarded each year Typical grant = $275,000
Texas CDBG Program: Fund Categories STEP Fund (water) Planning Fund (capacity building) Administration Disaster / Urgent Need (streets, drainage) Community Development (water, sewer, streets) Colonia Fund (water, sewer, housing) Texas Capital Fund (job creation, downtown revitalization)
Texas CDBG Program Community Development Fund Infrastructure (water, sewer, streets) Grants awarded from $275,000 to $800,000 Planning Fund Planning & capacity building studies Assess local needs Colonia Funds Within 150 miles of the Texas-Mexico border Planning and construction grants Disaster Relief Fund Provided for federal and state disaster declarations Restores infrastructure to original condition Small Towns Environment Program (STEP) Self-Help Fund Grant funds materials; local volunteers provide labor
Impact The Texas Capital Fund
Texas Capital Fund - TCF Supports rural business development, retention and expansion by providing funds for public infrastructure, real estate development, or the elimination of deteriorated conditions. Focus on Job Creation Also funded through HUD s CDBG Program 2013 TCF Advantages Short Form Application Open Application Process Funding range determination monthly
TCF Job Creation Programs Infrastructure Development Funds for public/private infrastructure Encourages new business development and business expansion Real Estate Development Funds for Acquisition, New Construction or Rehabilitation 0% Interest Loan up to 20 years Funding $50,000 to $1.5 Million
TCF Rural Downtown Programs Main Street Development Downtown Revitalization Awards from $50,000 to $150,000 Funds for public infrastructure in applicant's designated downtown area Aids in eliminating ADA compliant barriers and deteriorated conditions in downtown areas
Assistance TAFA
Texas Agricultural Finance Authority - TAFA Provides financial incentives to individuals to establish or enhance their farm or ranch operation or to establish an agriculture-related business. Maybe you are not a Farmer/Rancher, but I bet you Know One! And your rural area depends also on their success. Financial Resources Grant Funds
TAFA - YFG Young Farmer Grant Provides grants to young agricultural producers who are starting or expanding agricultural businesses in Texas. Applicants 18 to 45 years old Applicant will create or expand an agricultural business Matching funds required Grants range from $5,000 to $10,000 Program is offered twice per year Grant funds may not be used for capital purchases that exceed $5,000
TAFA - ALG Agricultural Loan Guarantee Provides loan guarantees and interest rebates for agriculture-related businesses and ranching operations. Tiered loan guarantees up to $750,000 Assists applicants who desire to establish, enhance, or expand an agricultural operation Originating lender must agree to participate in the program Features interest rate rebates to borrower up to $5,000 per year
Office of Rural Affairs Rural focus Rural Health improvements Infrastructure support Job creation Agricultural Financial Assistance
Office of Rural Affairs Rick Rhodes, Administrator (512) 463-7577 Rick.Rhodes@TexasAgriculture.gov Becky Dempsey, Director, CDBG (512) 463-6612 Becky.Dempsey@TexasAgriculture.gov Brad Denton, Director, SORH (512) 936-6719 Brad.Denton@TexasAgriculture.gov Michael West, Finance Programs (512) 463-4320 Michael.West@TexasAgriculture.gov