JEROME, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Idaho State Director Richard Rush recently celebrated the groundbreaking for a USDA RD investment of $3.3 million in grant through the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program awarded to the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) to build the new LeRoy Craig Jerome Center.
“USDA Rural Development is proud to partner with the College of Southern Idaho and the many businesses and individuals in Jerome for the development of this wonderful new educational center.” said Rush. “Jerome is in the heart of Idaho’s agricultural industry and the new educational facility will be used in part to train agricultural employees and future ag leaders. Our Rural Development staff will continue assisting with the project through the construction process. Congratulations to the College of Southern Idaho for this achievement.”
The College of Southern Idaho (CSI) will utilize the funding to construct a new instructional and training facility in Jerome, approximately 10 miles from the main campus in Twin Falls. The new facility will be an estimated 20,000 square feet and support the needs of the community, industry partners, and students with a multitude of responsive educational programs. These programs will include industrial training, meat science, traditional classroom instruction, health professions, and science labs. These programs will meet local and rural industry needs, specifically addressing educational and workforce concerns within the community while significantly expanding the college’s presence in the area and supporting community gatherings and meetings.
This new building is named in honor of former CSI Board Member and longtime Jerome resident LeRoy Craig. This new educational facility made possible by partnerships with CSI, the City of Jerome, the Jerome Urban Renewal Agency, and with the assistance of United States Congressman Mike Simpson.
Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included CSI President Dr. L. Dean Fisher, Congressman Simpson, CSI Board Chair Anna Scholes, Jerome Mayor David Davis, Jerome City Administrator Mike Williams, and a representative from the Craig family, among others. The LeRoy Craig Jerome Center is slated to open sometime in 2026.
The Community Facilities Direct Loan Program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings. For more information, visit the following page: Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program in Idaho | Rural Development (usda.gov)
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.
To learn more about our programs, visit all programs in Idaho
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