REDLG Program

Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program (REDLG)

UEC is able to support rural economic development and job creation through the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant (REDLG) Program. UEC has utilized this funding resource to support community projects such as the Funland Park Rebuild and Good Shepherd Health Care Center remodels, both in Hermiston.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The REDLG Program is a program through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) that provides funding
for rural projects. This program allows UEC the opportunity to provide zero interest financing to our members to promote rural
economic development and support rural job creation projects. UEC has utilized the grant program to support the rebuild of the City of Hermiston’s Funland Playground and enhancements of Good Shepherd Health Care Center.

Loan vs Grant Funding

Both the loan and grant programs are a part of the REDLG through USDA. The programs can be used individually or together, based on the project’s needs.

Loan Program:

• UEC has the responsibility for repayment to the USDA.
• The Ultimate Recipient makes the payment to UEC.
• Maximum loan amount is $1,000,000.

Grant Program:

• UEC will extend funding as a loan to our members.
• When the member repays the loan to UEC, it is included in UEC’s Revolving Loan Fund which creates a sustaining funding resource for additional projects in the community.
• Maximum grant amount is $300,000.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications for the REDLG program are put together by UEC staff with support from the funding recipient. The program applications are reviewed and awarded on a quarterly basis at the national level by USDA.

• For program and funding information, please contact Josh Burns, Project Administrator.
• For REDLG application questions, please contact Alec Shebiel, Government Relations Manager.

1. UEC works with our interested members to develop the application and supporting materials.
2. Points are awarded by the USDA on a variety of factors during the application process. For example:
   • For-profit business ‘20 pts’
   • Education/Medical ‘20 pts’
   • Jobs created ‘25 pts’, etc.
3. 3. Applications are evaluated and scored for comparison by the USDA on a national level quarterly:
   • September 30
   • December 31
   • March 31
   • June 30

Eligibility for Program Funding

Non-profit, public body, and for-profit businesses are eligible to be Ultimate Recipients of UEC zero interest loans through the program. Funds can be used for:

• Start-up costs which may include real estate, buildings, equipment, and working capital.
• Business expansions, business incubators, technical assistance, & project environmental or feasibility studies.
• Advanced telecommunications services and computer networks for medical, educational, and job training services.