Senator Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney joined UDSA officials Monday to highlight a federal grant that aims to help reinvigorate downtown Smyrna businesses.
A $300 thousand USDA Rural Economic Development grant will create a revolving loan program for Smyrna. USDA Acting Deputy Undersecretary for Rural Development Vernita Dore says the goal is to bolster rural towns like Smyrna.
“That vision is a rural America that is a safe, healthy and prosperous place in which to live and work," said Dore. "And with the tools we have to share with you we can see that happening right here in Smyrna.”
Its first project is renovation of the upscale Inn at Duck Creek restaurant - where additional upstairs rooms will house an education and training center for rural residents.
Town leaders hope the facility - and the funding - stimulate economic growth by attracting new residents, businesses and entrepreneurs. Mayor Joanne Masten said while much has gone to the Inn's revitalization, money is still available for other residents and businesses to make improvements.
"If they need to have facade improvements or other improvements to the property they only need to contact town hall, speak to [town manager David Hugg] and he can help them facilitate the paperwork."
And USDA state director Bill McGowan adds as those loans are repaid the town will be able to shape its own destiny by directing future loans where they see fit.
“How many times do we hear the conversation of ‘I got a great idea but I just need the capital’. Capital is a big deal. And $5,000 here and there, twenty five thousand, ten thousand; that’s real working money for somebody who’s trying to get something up, boots on the ground and get it started.”
Earlier in the day - USDA officials celebrated National Homeownership month in Bridgeville with Senator Coons – marking the 50th anniversary of its Mutual Self Help Housing program that provides grant money for rural housing construction projects.
That program has helped 170 Delaware families build their homes by reducing construction and labor costs.