Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett has announced that USDA is seeking applications for projects that promote economic development and create jobs in rural areas.
Funding is being provided under USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Program. The goal of this program is to support rural projects through local utility organizations. USDA provides zero-interest loans to local utilities which they, in turn, pass through to local businesses (ultimate recipients) for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. The maximum loan is $2 million. The maximum grant is $300,000.
Applications are due June 30, 2018, and should be sent to the USDA Rural Development State Office where the project is located. Additional information on how to apply is available on page 23625 of the May 22 Federal Register. In Nebraska contact Marla Marx (Scottsbluff) 308-632-2195 ext. 132 marla.marx@ne.usda.gov; Kelley Messenger (Kearney) 308-455-9837 kelley.messenger@ne.usda.gov; or Bill Sheppard (Norfolk) 402-371-5350 ext. 104 bill.sheppard@ne.usda.gov.
- USDA encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the report to the President from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to help improve life in rural America. Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation. Key strategies include:
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Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
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Developing the Rural Economy
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Harnessing Technological Innovation
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Supporting a Rural Workforce
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Improving Quality of Life