Projects will Bring Clean Water, Energy, and Economic Opportunities to Underserved Rural Communities in the Three County Region
ASHLAND, Wisc., Oct. 18, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting Deputy Under Secretary Lillian Salerno today announced a new slate of economic development projects to lower costs, create jobs and upgrade critical infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities participating in the Rural Partners Network (RPN).
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA launched the Rural Partners Network two years ago to make sure that rural and Tribal communities receive equal opportunities and access to federal resources,” Acting Deputy Under Secretary Salerno said. “Since then, we’ve seen that incredible progress is possible when people inside and outside government from all walks of life work together to solve problems and better serve rural people. These latest investments underscore the impact of unprecedented resources the Biden-Harris Administration has made available so rural and Tribal people can pursue great opportunities no matter where they live.”
USDA is awarding approximately $35 million in grants and loans to support 18 economic development projects that will help rural and Tribal communities address immediate needs and create sustainable economic growth. Projects will lower costs for families and small businesses, create jobs and expand business opportunities. Communities will use funding to transition to clean energy, modernize infrastructure, provide technical assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs and enhance community water and food supplies.
Funding is provided through the following programs: Electric Infrastructure Loan and Loan Guarantee Program, the Intermediary Relending Program, the Rural Business Development Grant Program, the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Loans and Grants (REAP), the Tribal College Initiative Grants, and the Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants Program.
For example,
- St. Croix Electric Coop. will use a $15 million Electric Infrastructure Loan to connect 1,081 consumers and build and improve 133 miles of new line. This loan includes $2.1 million in smart grid technologies. St. Croix is headquartered in Hammond, Wisconsin, serving 11,642 consumers over 1,873 miles of line in four counties in Wisconsin.
- Woodland Financial Partners will use an $888,000 loan through the Intermediary Relending Program to establish a revolving loan fund and provide technical assistance to small businesses within the eleven tribes throughout Wisconsin.
- Red Pine Farms will use a $113,000 REAP grant to install a more energy-efficient grain dryer for their corn and soybean production. The energy efficient infrastructure is expected to save the farm nearly $15,600 in annual electricity costs.
Many of these projects are the direct result of collaboration between community networks and federal RPN staff living and working in the communities. Today, Acting Deputy Under Secretary Salerno and State Director Lassa met with local leaders on both sides of this partnership to hear about the impact that these types of investments and partnerships have in the Northern Wisconsin RPN area.
These investments come two months after the White House announced a memorandum of understanding that formalizes the relationship between government and philanthropy to provide a strategic focus on rural communities that addresses barriers to accessing federal programs with a specific focus on advancing equity and prosperity in rural America. This partnership will enhance RPN’s work by helping communities develop applications, plan projects, and leverage pre-development expenses and matching funds.
Background: Rural Partners Network
Launched in April 2022 and expanded in November 2022, RPN is now active in 36 community networks in 10 states and Puerto Rico.
Community networks receive support from full-time USDA staff who live and work locally. These staff members provide technical assistance based on each community’s needs, helping them navigate federal programs, build relationships and apply for funding. In addition to USDA staff, there are staff at more than 20 other federal agencies dedicated to RPN and making resources across the government easier to access for people in rural communities.
RPN communities also benefit from coordination through other federal efforts such as the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization and President Biden’s Justice40 Initiative and Investing in America agenda. The Rural Prosperity Interagency Policy Council, co-led by the White House Domestic Policy Council and USDA, advises the RPN program and ensures rural voices are heard and reflected in national policies that will benefit all people in rural communities.
For more information on RPN, visit Rural.gov.
USDA 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. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. To subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit the GovDelivery Subscriber Page.