Akron receives loan to update senior care center

10/5/2011

The USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Program - a $46.8 million federal initiative to create jobs and improve the economy - funneled a portion of those funds the city of Akron, Ohio, this week.

According to the Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Akron received a $4 million USDA loan to assist in the construction of a new, 32,000 square-foot senior care center.

The proposed Akron Care Center is needed to comply with new federal regulations from the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services by August 2013 - such as the installation of an overhead sprinkler system which the current outdated center doesn't have.

"These (Rural Development) projects not only provide needed infrastructure in rural communities, they contribute to the Obama administration's continued efforts to create quality jobs and improve the nation's economy," said U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "The projects announced today will help strengthen facilities and amenities in rural towns and small cities."

Akron had originally applied for a $4.5 million loan, and estimates the 45-bed care center will cost $6.4 million to construct.