WASHINGTON  -  U.S. Representative Jo Ann Emerson (MO-08) today announced that a U.S. Department of Agriculture loan to the Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association to help finance a new medical office building for the Salem Memorial Hospital District.

“This loan will give a big boost to medical care in Dent County.  We are always looking for new ways to enhance health care services in rural areas of Missouri.  This facility will accomplish that goal and hopefully attract some new doctors and medical professionals to our area,” Emerson said.  “At zero interest, a new medical office building will have the opportunity to get established without a heavy burden of a costly loan repayment schedule.  To me, this is a key investment in the medical infrastructure of the region.  USDA Rural Development made a wise choice to lend
federal support to this important project.”

The $740,000 loan is for a ten-year term at zero percent interest.  The project will provide expanded healthcare services to 20,000 residents in the region.