USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today highlighted the department’s investments in 2020 that are building prosperity and strengthening the nation’s rural businesses and communities.
“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA invested a record $40 billion in rural communities in 2020,” Brand said. “This assistance is helping increase economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for rural residents across the 50 states and all U.S. territories.
Brand added, “USDA responded with urgency to help those affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic. We worked to bring high-speed internet capacity, modern community facilities, and upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure to rural areas. We helped provide homeownership opportunities and reliable electricity. We invested in businesses and family-supporting jobs, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Total investment in rural Michigan communities in Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 was more than $1.1 billion.
“There were a number of significant investments across the spectrum of USDA programs, but what stands out is the surge in telecommunications and electric infrastructure investment,” said USDA Rural Development State Director for Michigan Jason Allen. “Combine that with water, sewer, housing, and business investments and 2020 was truly a landmark year for rural Michigan communities.”
Below is a summary of USDA’s accomplishments in Michigan:
- Michigan received more than $69 million in 11 telecommunications and electric investments through the ReConnect Pilot Program, the Telecom Infrastructure and Community Connect programs. These investments benefitted thousands of residents from the state’s southern border into the Upper Peninsula.
- Michigan received more than $19 million for safe, affordable rural housing through the Multi-Family Housing Program.
Other national initiatives:
- Cut red tape to increase private investment in rural America by making it easier for lenders to access four flagship loan programs under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative.
- Took immediate actions to assist rural residents, businesses and communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, USDA launched a Federal Rural Resource Guide, provided loan forbearances, halted evictions, and made additional funding available under existing programs. For more information, visit our COVID-19 response page.
- Streamlined regulations to ease customer access to CARES Act programs, infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, community facilities and high-speed internet access in rural areas.
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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