<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE>USDA Rural Library Initiative 2010</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
<FONT FACE="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12.0px'>Dear Directors:<BR>
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<B> the first thing you should do</B>, 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.<BR>
<BR>
I hope Oregon can take good advantage of these funds from the USDA in 2010! --> Jim<BR>
<BR>
<HR ALIGN=CENTER SIZE="3" WIDTH="95%">Friends,<BR>
<BR>
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.<BR>
<BR>
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.<BR>
<BR>
<FONT COLOR="#0000FF"><U><a href="http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/cf.htm">http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/or/cf.htm</a><BR>
</U></FONT><BR>
<BR>
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.<BR>
<BR>
Here are some key points:<BR>
<BR>
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.<BR>
<BR>
Grant awards are generally made based upon a scale tied to the Median Household Income (MHI)and to a certain degree, population:<BR>
<BR>
MHI of less than $24,738 and population less than 5,000 may be awarded up to 75% of the project cost,<BR>
MHI between $24,738 and $28,861 and a population less than 12,000 may be awarded up to 55% of the project cost,<BR>
MHI between $28,861 and $32,984 and a population less than 20,000 may be awarded up to 35% of the project cost,<BR>
MHI between $32,984 and $37,107 and a population less than 20,000 may be awarded up to 15% of the project cost.<BR>
<BR>
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.<BR>
<BR>
The community where the project is to be located must not have a population greater than 20,000.<BR>
<BR>
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.<BR>
<BR>
Discuss your project needs with your area Rural Development Office to be sure it qualifies.<BR>
<BR>
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. <BR>
<BR>
Finally, please pass this on to other library administrators and communities. <BR>
<BR>
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.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
</SPAN></FONT><SPAN STYLE='font-size:12.0px'><FONT FACE="Optima, Times New Roman">Jim Scheppke, State Librarian<BR>
Oregon State Library<BR>
250 Winter St. NE<BR>
Salem, OR 97301<BR>
503-378-4367<BR>
(fax) 503-585-8059<BR>
jim.b.scheppke@state.or.us<BR>
</FONT><FONT FACE="Verdana, Helvetica, Arial"><BR>
<IMG src="cid:3346219740_308802" ><FONT COLOR="#008000">Go Green, Keep it on screen - think before you print.</FONT><BR>
</FONT></SPAN>
</BODY>
</HTML>