The Trump Administration recently appointed Curt Coccodrilli as the new State Director for USDA Rural Development in Pennsylvania. Coccodrilli began his new role on October 30th.
Coccodrilli has been integrally involved in numerous efforts to address the needs of rural Pennsylvania, including leadership roles in landowner associations focused on natural resources development and conservation. He has also been a promoter of rural economic development, leading campaigns to ensure state and federal regulations recognize the need for such development. Additionally, he has developed, organized, and supported a wide variety of outdoor recreation initiatives related to hunting, fishing, and other outdoor sports.
As State Director, Coccodrilli will use his leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs in a customer-focused manner to restore prosperity in rural Pennsylvania.
Under the direction of Secretary Sonny Perdue, the USDA will always be facts-based and data-driven, with a decision-making mindset that is customer-focused. Secretary Perdue leads the USDA with four guiding principles: to maximize the ability of American agriculture to create jobs, sell foods and fiber, and feed and clothe the world; to prioritize customer service for the taxpayers; to ensure that our food supply is safe and secure; and to maintain good stewardship of the natural resources that provide us with our miraculous bounty. And understanding that we live in a global economy where trade is of top importance, Secretary Perdue has pledged to be an unapologetic advocate for American agriculture.
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; homeownership; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.