[PL-Directors] USDA Rural Library Initiative 2010

[Jim Scheppke]

Dear Directors:
I have been in contact with Vicki Walker, the new Director of the USDA Rural
Development Program in Oregon, about the USDA Rural Library Initiative 2010
that was announced in December. Public libraries that serve rural
populations under 20,000 with low average median household incomes can
qualify for grants for construction and other facilities improvements. Each
state has been allocated $500,000 for this program. I have copied the
announcement below for your information. I think the first thing you should
do, if you are interested, is to contact your regional USDA office and
discuss your need with the staff there. They can give you good advice about
your eligibility for the program. Attached is a list of these offices along
with contacts and phone numbers.

I hope Oregon can take good advantage of these funds from the USDA in 2010!
--> Jim


Friends,

Today, December 2, 2009, we were advised that Oregon Rural Development would
receive an allocation of $500,000 for the Rural Library Initiative 2010.
The details of how we are going to administer the Library Initiative are not
yet available.  However, it takes 30-60 days to complete an eligibility
review and get the green light to proceed so I am encouraging you to start
the pre-application/application process as soon as possible.

The website link below will take you to our State Website where you can
download a pre-application for the grant to help you get started.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/cf.htm


RD typical operations will make this money available for a specified period
of time then will pool the unobligated funds to redistribute to other
states.  If you know or think you are likely to have a library project
please start the process early.

Here are some key points:

Grant funds may not exceed 75% of the project cost.  This means a Community
Facility Loan or other matching funds will be needed to fund the difference
up to 100% of the project.

Grant awards are generally made based upon a scale tied to the Median
Household Income (MHI)and to a certain degree, population:

MHI of less than $24,738 and population less than 5,000 may be awarded up to
75% of the project cost,
MHI between $24,738 and $28,861 and a population less than 12,000 may be
awarded up to 55% of the project cost,
MHI between $28,861 and $32,984 and a population less than 20,000 may be
awarded up to 35% of the project cost,
MHI between $32,984 and $37,107 and a population less than 20,000 may be
awarded up to 15% of the project cost.

The applicant must be a not for profit entity, a public body, or a tribe
providing a public service to rural residents and if a non-profit
corporation, must have close ties to the rural community.

The community where the project is to be located must not have a population
greater than 20,000.

All applications must need the grant in order to make the project
economically feasible.  Rural Development Specialists will review your
financial statements and assess the costs for operation and maintenance,
existing debt service and proposed debts in determining economic viability.
High unemployment and underemployment, low income, and other economic
factors can help in making a responsible decision.

Discuss your project needs with your area Rural Development Office to be
sure it qualifies.

However, time is of the essence in your submittals.  In addition to this
$500,000 initiative, there is likely to be additional ARRA funding available
to meet all or substantially all of the demand for grants in 2010 in Oregon.
One final point, CF grant Awards are typically less than $100,000 and
average about $35,000 nationwide.  Demand may keep the average amount of
each award in the $50,000 range, but please, apply for what you think you
will need, backed by reliable cost estimates, then let the system determine
where the final awards might come in.

Finally, please pass this on to other library administrators and
communities.  

Energy Efficiency Improvements, Renewable energy technologies, computer
systems for public use, work stations, shelving, office equipment, and
similar items are all excellent potential ideas, and I am sure many others.




Jim Scheppke, State Librarian
Oregon State Library
250 Winter St. NE
Salem, OR 97301
503-378-4367
(fax) 503-585-8059
jim.b.scheppke at state.or.us

Go Green, Keep it on screen - think before you print.

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