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Kate Bolz Begins Term as State Director USDA RD Nebraska

Name
Meredith Mingledorff
City
Lincoln, NE
Release Date
Photo of Kate Bolz, State Director for Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb.– State Director Kate Bolz took her oath of office here Monday, beginning her appointment by the Biden-Harris Administration to oversee the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development for Nebraska. 

The oath was administered virtually to twelve new officials across the United States from Washington D.C. due to COVID protocols.

In her new role, Bolz will oversee the administration of Rural Development programs in the state including grants and loans to individuals, families, businesses, organizations, and municipalities in rural areas in need of single-family housing, multi-family housing, repair, renewable energy, water and environmental programs, broadband extension, and telecommunications/ infrastructure improvements.

“Rural Development is an investor, ally, and advocate for rural people. Our programs enhance quality of life, drive economic prosperity and make rural America a place everyone can call home,” explained Bolz. “Being an ally for people in rural communities by investing in infrastructure and opportunities that help them build back better is the heart of our mission and I’m proud to join this team.”  

“As USDA continues to work toward improving the lives of all Americans, we welcome these talented individuals who will each play a key role in advancing that shared mission,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “Each of them will add to the experienced, dedicated, and growing team at the department.”

Bolz expressed an interest in getting to work quickly to provide valuable assistance programs in the coming months. For example, the Rural Development Broadband ReConnect program is accepting applications through February 22, 2022 and will provide grants and loans for construction, facilities, and equipment to improve high-speed internet access to rural areas.

“Our team would like to hear from Nebraskans about their needs and challenges so we can partner to improve quality of life in rural communities with available USDA RD programs and funding. I’d also like to discuss solutions with our telecom providers, municipalities, and other organizations and officials so we can contribute to success for Nebraskans personally and professionally in communities across the state,” said Bolz.

A proud 6th generation Nebraskan, Kate Bolz grew up on a family farm in Otoe County, Nebraska. Bolz brings extensive economic and community development experience.  Most recently, she served as the Mayoral Aide for Economic Development for the City of Lincoln, Nebraska where she focused on workforce training and small business development programs. Previously, she served as a state senator, leading efforts to invest in higher education and economic development as Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Economic Development Task Force.  Kate earned a bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a master’s in social work from the University of Michigan.

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 https://www.rd.usda.gov/ne. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.