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Source: USDA, 5/13/22 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under
Secretary Xochitl Torres Small and U.S. Economic Development Administration
(EDA) Assistant Secretary Alejandra Y. Castillo today unveiled a joint resource guide to help community organizations access USDA and EDA
resources to build strategies to boost economic development in rural America.
“America’s rural communities are critical to the success of our nation’s economy,” Torres Small said. “When we invest in rural communities, we build opportunity and prosperity for the people who live in them. The guide we are unveiling today will better equip people with the tools they need to make their communities more attractive, economically viable and safe places to live and work.”
Castillo added, “We are committed to working together to explore new ways to support and strengthen rural America. It is important that we equip communities with tools that are accessible and easily utilized to maximize the work of providing greater, inclusive economic prosperity across our country. This guide is a great tool to deliver on that commitment.”
The resource guide outlines programs and services that can be used to advance
community and economic development in rural communities through four key focus
areas:
- Planning
and technical assistance
- Infrastructure
and broadband expansion
- Entrepreneurship
and business assistance
- Workforce
development and livability
The guide also features information and links to USDA Rural
Development and U.S. Economic Development Administration key priorities and
resources.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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. For more information,
visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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