MONTGOMERY, Ala., October 27, 2020 – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Alabama State Director Chris Beeker announced today the Trump Administration is investing $270,500 in Dallas County and Marengo County, Alabama.
“There is no doubt our small businesses have been significantly challenged over the course of the year. It’s encouraging to have a USDA Rural Development program that offers financial assistance for workforce development, business development and job creation,” said State Director Beeker. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Purdue, USDA Rural Development has been working diligently to be a strong partner to rural Alabama small businesses.”
USDA is investing in two Alabama counties through the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program. Investments can be used for training and technical assistance, acquisition or development of land, distance adult learning for job training and advancement, and small towns can renovate business centers, start business incubators and expand opportunities with this program. Investments in Alabama include:
- In Dallas County, the city of Selma will use a $125,000 Rural Business Development grant to purchase furniture, fixtures, and equipment to lease to the St. James Hotel, located in historic Selma, Alabama. The hotel was constructed in 1837 but had declined in recent years and closed in July 2017. The St. James Hotel is being rehabilitated and expanded to create additional hotel rooms. Reopening the hotel will create over 60 new jobs.
- The Marengo County Commission will use a $145,500 Rural Business Development grant to resurface a parking lot and install HVAC to the Marengo County Business Development Center in Linden, Ala. The center is currently used as a business incubator. The much-needed improvements will attract new businesses to the center.
The Rural Business Development Grant Program provides grant money to assist with economic development planning and/or the financing or expansion of rural businesses. Projects must be in rural areas with a population of 50,000 or less.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
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