Agricultural Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to support rural economic development.
“These grants will bring jobs to our rural small towns and cities,” Vilsack said. “I encourage all eligible organizations to apply for this funding. I am also happy to announce that USDA is awarding more than $4 million to 23 organizations for rural development projects.”
José Otero-García, USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico indicated that the awards and request for applications are being provided through the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program. RCDI helps community based development organizations, and other groups promote economic growth in low income, rural communities. Recipients must obtain matching funds. Which increase the value of the grants. USDA does not provide the grants directly to businesses or individuals. Instead, awards are provided to public or non-profit intermediaries.
USDA has awarded $39 million to support 206 rural economic development projects financed through the RCDI program since 2009. The projects are examples of USDA’s support for locally based development strategies.
Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested $11 billion to start or expand 103,000 rural business; helped 1.1 million rural residents buy homes, funded nearly 7,000 community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care facilities; financed 180, 000 miles of electric transmission and distribution lines; and helped bring high-speed Internet access to nearly 6 million rural residents and businesses.
For additional information, please, contact Miguel Ramírez, Public Affairs Coordinator at (787) 766-5708 or see page 32277 of the Federal Register of May 23, 2016.