Special to the Times Vedette
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recently announced $152 million in investments for 19 rural development projects in communities across the State of Iowa, including a $37 million loan to Guthrie County Hospital to expand and renovate its facility. Rollins says these projects will help boost Iowa’s economy, develop rural infrastructure and encourage private investment in America’s heartland.
“Rural communities across America are the backbone of our nation, and President Trump is committed to investing in these communities so they continue to be productive and fulfilling places to live for generations to come,” Rollins said. “At USDA, we are proud to fund these historic levels of rural investment and remain committed to working with other federal, state and local government as well as the private sector, to advance President Trump’s vision for rural America. Rural prosperity is truly a national security issue. If our farmers and ranchers do not have the tools and resources to continue to farm, then we cannot feed ourselves. President Trump understands how important it is to have a safe, secure and resilient farm economy.”
“I want to thank you and President Trump for putting our farmers first, and for investing $152 million to develop Iowa’s rural communities. During this time of uncertainty in the ag economy, I’m so grateful to have a partner we can rely on,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said. “Today’s announcement is great news for all the communities receiving these grants. I look forward to building on these efforts to make our rural communities stronger and more prosperous than ever.”
The $37 million loan for Guthrie County Hospital will be used to expand and renovate its facility, including a 16,000 square foot addition to include a behavioral health room in the ER, an MRI room, exam rooms, and lab space. Other improvements include updates to the nurse call technology, new digital master and area alarm panels, and new sleep ventilators, as well as a fire suppression system for the ambulance garage and renovations to the dining hall and kitchen