(Additional funding information is available on the Funding Sources Links Page) AREA DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS SMALL ISSUER LOAN PROGRAM 

Development of the Small Issuer Loan Program:

The Federal Government has adopted certain laws which allow counties, cities, special districts and non-profit organizations to borrow monies for their projects at tax-exempt rates. In the past, the issuance costs associated with tax-free financing have often made it impractical for these entities to use tax-exempt financing for small to medium – sized projects. Now, thanks to this innovative financing vehicle, projects as low as $5,000 can be made on a tax-exempt interest rate basis.

How Much Money is Available?

Initially, this Program has been funded at the $100 million level. The Program can generate additional funds in order to meet future demand.

Who is Eligible to Borrow?

All Kentucky Counties, Cities, and Special Districts with taxing powers, except those which will issue more than $5 million in tax-exempt debt during the current calendar year (inclusive of the debt under this program) are eligible to borrow under the Small Issuer Loan Program. Also, most Water Districts are eligible to borrow directly from the Program, rather than as a pass through from the County.

How Much May We Borrow?

There is no "minimum" lease amount. Ideally, funds would be loaned in amounts of $5,000 or higher. The maximum lease amount is $5,000,000.

What Can Be Financed?

Virtually any public project or purchase can be financed through the KADD Small Issuer Loan Program. Examples include: Fire Trucks, 911 Systems, Police Cars, Garbage Trucks, Buses, Other Vehicles Computer Hardware Office Buildings/Renovation, Office Equipment, Road and Street Repairs, and Road Equipment.

What are the Advantages of the KADD Financing Trust Small Issuer Program?

There are several important features of this program which make it a very attractive financing option to Kentucky Counties, Cities, and Special Taxing Districts, including:

1. Significantly Reduces Interest Costs –

Counties, cities, and special taxing districts are able to access the interest-rate advantages of the "tax-free" municipal bond market to finance needed public projects.

2. Minimizes Closing Costs and Costs of

Issuance – most of these costs are paid by the investment earnings of the program funds.

3. Locks - I n Fixed Principal and Interest

Payments – Rates are based on the current market rates and fixed for the life of the lease.

4. Rapid Turn-Around Time – application approval within five to seven business days.

5. Lease Term Options – you select from one to thirty years, depending on the project and your particular needs.

What is the Interest Rate?

Interest rates are based on market rates at the time of borrowing which allows the Trust to always offer competitive rates. Rates differ depending upon the term of lease selected. Contact Ross, Sinclaire & Associates (800-255-0795) for current rates. 

Low Interest Loans Available for Local Solid Waste Management Projects
A program of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) provides revolving loan funding for construction of local public works projects. Some examples of fundable projects are waste waster treatment and collections, any infrastructure that enhances economic development and job creation, drinking water treatment and distribution and public solid waste management projects.  Solid waste project funds can be used for capital expenses for the construction, renovation or acquisition of solid waste management facilities, which include but are not limited to, recycling projects, collection systems, transfer stations and landfills. Local governments can obtain up to $750,000 in low interest financing for eligible projects. The current interest rate is 2%. Any questions can be directed to the KIA, John Covington at (502) 564-2090. 

Area Development Fund Process
The announcement of the availability of Area Development Funds (ADF) was originally published in the January-February 1999 issue of the ADDvisor. It is now expected the respective fiscal courts will soon commence the public notification, and application phases of the process.  To be eligible for funding, past ADF grant recipients must closeout any open projects. NKADD staff are in the process of contacting these organizations which may have open or incomplete projects. If any ADF recipient has a question regarding a past grant please contact Richard Bragg at (859)283-1885. Below is a reprint of the program guidelines.  Authorization During its 1998 Regular Session, the Kentucky General Assembly reauthorized funding for the Area Development Fund (ADF) in FY 1999 and FY 2000. Pursuant to KRS 42.370, this means that NKADD will receive a biennial allocation of approximately $140,000. These funds are to be made available to cities, counties, and eligible nonprofit organizations for certain capital projects.   *Allocation Process (KRS 42.370)

County Application Process

Each Fiscal Court has the responsibility to formulate county ADF allocation procedures, within the statutory and administrative guidelines, to include a public notice, an application process, and a process for ranking projects.  Eligible Projects

1. The construction, reconstruction, renovation and maintenance of buildings and other improvements to real estate.
2. The acquisition of real property and interests in real property.
3. The purchase of major items of equipment.
4. Industrial site development projects, including land reclamation, clearing, grading, draining, landscaping, and the construction of walkways and fences.
5. The extension and installation of water, gas, sewer, and electrical utility lines to public facilities and industrial sites.
6. Solid waste management or disposal systems bringing counties into compliance with state or federal law. 

Ineligible Projects

1. Feasibility studies or master plans for any capital improvement.
2. The purchase of consumable supplies.
3. Administrative salary or other operating or capital expense of any area development district.
4. The acquisition, construction, reconstruction, renovation or maintenance of any building or property of schools or state institutions of higher learning.
5. Any road, street, bridge, or highway.

Minimum Project Amount (ADF amount) $2,500

Project Review and Approval The projects selected for funding by the respective Fiscal Courts are submitted to the NKADD Board of Directors for approval. Approved projects are submitted to the Kentucky Department of Local Government for review and funding draws.

For more information, please contact Richard Bragg at (859) 283-1885.

NKADD Revolving Loan Fund
The Northern Kentucky Area Development District’s Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
is a publicly administered development capital fund, established through a grant from the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce. It was established to provide debt financing for strategically targeted businesses unable to obtain adequate market financing for projects of economic benefit to an area. RLF capital is replenished as loans are repaid and recycled into new loans.

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Page last updated on Nov 27, 2005 at 10:07 AM.