The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday announced the latest round of funding in its rural development program, which includes a $280,000 loan to an Eastern Plains nonprofit.

The Prairie Family Center will receive the loan to purchase a building in Burlington for a thrift store, food bank, office and family resource programming serving Kit Carson County.

A total of $394 million in grants and loans through the Rural Development program will support infrastructure improvements, high-speed internet access, housing and business development in this funding cohort.

Colorado has received $25.3 million in awards over the past two fiscal years to governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in every congressional district except District 6 and District 7, located in the Denver suburbs.

The Rural Development awards have included nearly $1 million to the town of Peetz and $6.5 million to Estes Park for water and waste disposal; $10,700 to Carver Brewing Company for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades; and $200,000 to the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union based in Denver for rural co-op development.

The projects must take place in areas with populations of 20,000 people or fewer.

“Modern facilities for essential services such as schools, first responders, hospitals and health clinics are the bedrock to healthy and prosperous communities,” said the USDA’s deputy under secretary for rural development, Donald “DJ” LaVoy.