Rural Municipal Finance Program
The Rural Municipal Finance Program was created by the Texas Agricultural Finance Authority (TAFA) to stimulate economic activity in rural Texas.
TAFA was created in 1987 as a Public Authority within the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Wind & Solar Energy Tax Exemptions
This loan program is designed for eligible applicants located within rural areas of the state that provide significant benefits for the rural area and provide evidence of ability to repay the commitments. Applicants can include city and county governments; economic development corporations; hospital districts; rail districts; utility districts; special districts; agricultural districts; and private water and wastewater corporations.
An applicant must certify to TAFA that:
- The project is located in a non-metropolitan statistical area (county); or
- If in a metropolitan statistical area, the project is in an unincorporated area; or
- Located in a city with a population of under 20,000, that is not adjoining a city or group of cities with an aggregate population of 50,000 or greater.
Loan Amounts
Loan amounts range from $50,000 to an amount approved by TAFA’s board of directors, but target projects for less than $1,000,000. Loans may be used for real estate purchase, building construction, site improvements, equipment, water and wastewater systems, municipal infrastructure projects and any other use that can be identified to improve or assist in the economic development of the rural area.
Contact Information
The Texas Department of Agriculture administers the Rural Municipal Finance Program. For further details on the program, please contact Karl Young at 512-936-0281.