(SMITHFIELD) -- U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced on Thursday investments in five North Carolina rural communities to create jobs, improve the learning environment for children and promote public safety. Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Doug O’Brien made the announcement on the Secretary’s behalf during a trip to Smithfield in Johnston County.

“These projects are essential to maintaining strong rural economies and vibrant communities,” said O’Brien. “These funds will improve public safety and foster a quality learning environment. These are examples of how USDA helps support businesses and small towns as the Obama Administration works with the community to create and retain jobs.”

The town of Smithfield will get a $2.8 million Community Facilities direct loan to improve traffic flow and safety at a highway interchange that is vital to the region’s commerce. The town will use USDA funding to improve the interchange of the Highway 70 business alternate and Interstate 95. This project is also getting about $5.4 million from private sources and another $950,400 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation and a $750,000 grant from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Other recipients of funding include a charter school in Selma that is getting a $2.79 million guaranteed loan through the Self-Help Credit Union to buy a 26-acre site for expansion. The Winterville Community Rural Fire Association, Inc is eligible for a $877,000 loan for a new fire department.  Ahoskie will get a $300,000 load and a $75,000 grant to replace fire department equipment. A $2,989,000 loan is available for the city of Dunn to repave streets, replace sidewalks, relocate overhead utilities underground, and replace traffic signals with poles.

Certain conditions must be met for the projects to receive the funds. Funding for the projects is being provided through the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities program. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $146 billion in loans and loan guarantees.