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USDA announces new economic initiatives for rural and tribal communities

With an additional $49 million allocated, the funding will propel 59 new projects in nine states and Puerto Rico.

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U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden announced a new series of economic development initiatives aimed at enhancing infrastructure and creating job opportunities in rural and Tribal communities. This announcement is part of the ongoing efforts under the Rural Partners Network (RPN), which was launched by the Biden-Harris Administration in April 2022 to ensure historically underserved communities benefit equitably from federal funding.

Since its inception, the RPN has channeled over $1 billion into various projects across these communities, significantly impacting local economies by improving infrastructure, lowering costs, and fostering sustainable growth. The latest funding injection of approximately $49 million will support 59 new projects across nine states and Puerto Rico, focusing on clean energy, modern infrastructure, affordable housing, and community essentials like water and food supplies.

"The Biden-Harris Administration has fought to win unprecedented resources for rural communities, and the Rural Partners Network gets them to the people who need them most," said Under Secretary Gooden. He highlighted that these investments are a key step in ensuring that all communities in the U.S. have access to essential services and a foundation for economic prosperity.

Notable projects include significant grants in Georgia for businesses like the Boston Gin Company and Helical Holdings LLC to install solar technology, which will drastically reduce energy costs and significantly boost sustainable energy output. In Alaska, funding will enhance energy efficiency for a health organization serving Tribal communities and create new job opportunities in vital industries.

Other initiatives include replacing outdated water infrastructure in Kentucky, launching an educational event center by the Fannie Lou Hamer Cancer Foundation in Mississippi, and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs in New Mexico to recover and thrive after natural disasters.

This round of funding also coincides with a recent memorandum of understanding signed by the White House, which formalizes the relationship between the government and philanthropic entities to focus strategically on rural communities. This agreement aims to address barriers to accessing federal programs, with a particular focus on advancing equity and prosperity in rural America.

These efforts are supported by full-time USDA staff positioned within the communities, ensuring that the specific needs of each area are met and that the communities can effectively access and utilize federal resources. The work of the RPN is further supported by coordination with other federal initiatives and policy councils, ensuring a comprehensive approach to rural development.


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