U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Development State Director for Wisconsin Stan Gruszynski today announced new data highlighting USDA investments in rural Wisconsin.
"Supporting our rural communities benefits all Wisconsinites,” said Gruszynski. "USDA has made dedicated investments in manufacturing, energy and small businesses and is bringing reliable services like water, housing and broadband to help attract and retain a talented workforce. This report shows that the entrepreneurial spirit is strong in rural Wisconsin."
The data summarizes specific USDA investments in rural Wisconsin businesses, manufacturing, energy, water and other infrastructure development. It also outlines how USDA is helping rural Wisconsin attract businesses and families by investing in housing and broadband. This information is part of USDA’s national "Made in Rural America" report illustrating the impact of USDA investments in rural America.
In Wisconsin, USDA has made investments to help 386 rural businesses thrive and grow, including $121.9 million for rural manufacturing. Rural manufacturing supports 128,814 jobs in the state. In addition, USDA has helped 22,940 Wisconsin families purchase or repair homes and has invested $239.3 million to support efficient water treatment and storage facilities, and wastewater treatment systems. This investment has improved the health of thousands of rural Wisconsinites who now have access to clean water and reliable sanitation.
For example, with the help of a USDA grant the former Elderon Elementary School in Elderon, Wis., now serves as the home of Dombeck Custom Cabinets. The company rehabilitated and remodeled the vacant elementary school building in order to expand operations, creating jobs and supporting economic growth in the community of Elderon.
More information is available at www.usda.gov/opportunity.
The “Made in Rural America” report reflects USDA’s efforts to strengthen the "four pillars" of a new economy in rural America by developing a robust bio-based economy; promoting exports and production agriculture fueled by increased productivity and research; encouraging conservation including land management, stewardship and outdoor recreational opportunities; and building a strong local and regional food system to harness entrepreneurial innovation and help small and medium-sized family farms succeed in rural America.