CONCORD, NH (Jan. 15, 2015) - In 2015, USDA Rural Development, an arm of the USDA devoted to strengthening rural America, invested $205,473,807 in support of a diverse range of local projects aimed at increasing the quality of life for Granite Staters.

"By supporting projects such as energy upgrades for business, home repairs for families, and new infrastructure for communities, Rural Development helped New Hampshire's rural communities invest in themselves last year," said Vermont and New Hampshire USDA Rural Development State Director Ted Brady. "USDA helped thousands of families, hundreds of businesses, and dozens of communities find new opportunities through homeownership, new jobs and new community assets."

In 2015, the USDA strategically targeted its investments in rural New Hampshire to build strong communities from the ground up starting with the resilient individuals who make New Hampshire noteworthy. In January, James Hills, a Navy and Army National Guard veteran, purchased his Berlin home with a USDA mortgage. Over the year, USDA Rural Development's Housing Program worked with 2,989 households to help residents obtain and maintain quality affordable housing in New Hampshire's communities.

In the Town of Lancaster, over 2,000 water users will gain access to improved water and sewer services thanks to a partnership between the town and the USDA. Across the state, USDA Rural Development worked closely with municipal and non-profit community service providers directing 60 percent of its Community Facility and Water and Waste investments towards low and moderate income areas to strengthen community services and improve opportunities for growth similar to those in Lancaster.

In the City of Franklin, a newly hired Downtown Business Coordinator will provide assistance to businesses to improve the economic vibrancy of the city. Throughout the state, USDA Rural Development's Business Programs helped businesses, non-profits and municipalities, like the City of Franklin, leverage New Hampshire's infrastructure and skilled workforce to add and retain 220 Granite State jobs.

In 2016, the USDA will continue to work with its partners in New Hampshire focusing its efforts on its target initiatives of the bio-economy, local food systems and poverty alleviation. To see a complete list of USDA Rural Development's New Hampshire 2015 investments, please view the 2015 Projects by County listing on our website.

USDA, through its RD mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $212 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural areas. For more information on Rural Development visit the New Hampshire Rural Development website or contact USDA RD at (802) 828-6000.