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USDA Awards Funding in Support of Rural Economic Development and Seeks Applications for Future Projects

Name
Nikki Gillespie
City
ST. PAUL
Release Date

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Colleen Landkamer today announced funding in support of rural economic development projects in central Minnesota.

   “We have seen time and again that our community investments are most successful when we partner with folks already embedded in the local fabric,” Landkamer said. “These grants help bring jobs to our rural small towns, with USDA providing funding and technical assistance to help launch business and development projects specifically tailored to the needs of each local and regional area.” 

   The Initiative Foundation will receive a grant of $172,372 to provide training, technical assistance and financial support to 20 non-profit organizations serving low-income rural communities in central Minnesota.

   Funding is being provided through USDA’s Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program, which helps community-based development organizations, federally recognized Indian tribes and other groups promote economic development in low-income, rural communities.

   The Initiative Foundation is one of 23 organizations, made in an announcement last week by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, receiving awards through the RCDI program, an investment totaling more than $4 million. Secretary Vilsack also announced that USDA soon will seek applications for the next round of program funding. 

   “The latest Census data show that last year, rural America’s population grew at the fastest rate since 2010,” Vilsack said. “USDA stands ready to help rural communities create jobs and continue to be a place where people want to raise their families.”

   RCDI grants are not provided directly to businesses or individuals. Instead, awards are provided to public or non-profit intermediaries that are locally-based and skilled in business development and job creation. Recipients must obtain matching funds, which doubles the impact of the grants. USDA will publish application information in an upcoming Federal Register notice.

   Since 2009, USDA has awarded $39 million to support 206 rural economic development projects financed through the RCDI program. The projects are examples of USDA’s support for locally-based development strategies. 

   For more information on USDA programs, visit www.rd.usda.gov/mn and contact your local area office.