USDA awards aid training efforts and capacity building
STEVENS POINT, Wis., – Sept. 14, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture Wisconsin Rural Development State Director Frank Frassetto announced that an Ohio-based sponsoring organizations will receive $250,000 in Rural Community Development Initiative grant funds to bolster rural housing, community programs, and economic development.
“Economic development expands beyond state borders. This project is a multi-state effort that we hope will benefit Wisconsin and the region as a whole,” Frassetto said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to being a strong partner with rural Wisconsin communities to provide essential services, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Ohio-based Great Lakes Community Action Partnership will use its $250,000 grant to provide technical assistance to 17 recipients in four states: Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, the latter also encompassing the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The training provided will focus on how to use, maintain and share Geographic Information System (GIS) data with the overarching goal of building capacity and sustainability in rural utilities systems. Wisconsin counties impacted by this technical assistance funding are Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Monroe, Polk & Rusk
As noted above, RCDI grants may be awarded in eligible rural areas to non-profit housing and community development organizations, low-income rural communities and federally recognized tribes in support of rural housing, community facilities and economic development projects. Eligible areas include any area other than a city or town with a population greater than 50,000 or the urbanized area adjacent to such city or town.
USDA Rural Development provides other 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/wi, email wi-rd-stateoffice@usda.gov or call 715-345-7600.
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