USDA Rural Development State Director Dave Conine today announced that USDA is investing $144,744 in two projects in Utah to support small and emerging rural businesses.
The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah is awarded a grant of $45,744 to conduct an economic feasibility study for a commercial industrial site, located on the Shivwits Reservation in Washington County. In Summit County, PandoLabs of Park City is awarded a grant of $99,000 to provide technical assistance to local entrepreneurs.
These two projects are part of a nationwide group of projects recently funded by USDA. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is investing $4.9 million in 50 projects across the country.
The investments are made through USDA's Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program. In addition to business development, RBEGs may also be used to help fund distance learning networks and employment-related adult education programs. Eligible applicants include local public entities, private non-profit corporations and federally recognized Indian Tribes.
“The RBEG Program is an excellent resource to boost the economy of rural communities,” Conine said. “This program works in harmony with USDA’s goal to invest in rural business, bringing good jobs to rural areas and assisting economic expansion.”
Since the beginning of the Obama Administration, the RBEG program has helped create or save more than 90,000 rural jobs, provided more than $54 million in economic development assistance, improved manufacturing capability, expanded health care and educational facilities, and has either expanded or helped establish more than 3,200 economic development projects.
Funding for the recipients is contingent upon their meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
President Obama's historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities.