San Juan, Puerto Rico– September 24, 2024 – USDA Rural Development (RD) held an event, "Empowering and Building Stronger Rural Communities in Puerto Rico," in C3Tec in Caguas, Puerto Rico and today announces new funding awards.
Maximiliano J. Trujillo-Ortega, USDA Rural Development State Director for Puerto Rico highlighted the collaborative efforts and investments made by USDA Agencies, other Federal Agencies and the NGO in Puerto Rico's rural areas. It demonstrated the significant progress achieved in historically disadvantaged rural areas through various USDA RD programs, such as Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), Single Family Housing, and Community Facility.
Trujillo-Ortega stated that “This event illustrates the Rural Partnership Network (RPN) community engagement efforts to connect, complement and amplify the federal funding available in the underserve rural areas and the progress made by Biden-Harris Administration.”
Tom Perez, Director of Governmental Affairs Office in the White House indicated that the Biden-Harris Administration is committed with the Rural Partnership Network Program. He participated in the event through a video conference.
USDA Rural Development Under Secretary, Dr. Basil Gooden, through a video feed, expressed congratulatory remarks relating to the RPN White House initiative and support of the agency to its success. Trujillo-Ortega stated the historic focus and investment the Biden-Harris Administration has made available to the Puerto Rican archipelago. Since Fiscal Year 2021 USDA has invested $1.3 billion in Puerto Rico.
In addition, the event illustrated the ongoing cooperation between EPA, DOE, DOT, HUD, USDA Forest Service and USDA RD in providing reliable, renewable energy solutions to rural homeowners, small businesses, and farmers on the island thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration investment in rural areas through the Inflation Reduction Act. The commitment of this Administration in improving the quality of life in Puerto Rico's archipelago through multi-agency cooperation, is without precedent, Trujillo-Ortega said.
Trujillo -Ortega announces that Rural Development is investing $1,000,000 in the Rural Partner Network (RPN), through Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Projects.
The Center for Habitat Reconstruction - $250,000.00 to support the municipalities of Adjuntas, Guánica, and Utuado, thereby impacting the Southwest and Central Mountain Region Community Networks. The Center will offer technical assistance to these municipalities on nuisance abatement and landbank development. The project will focus on creating programs and legal frameworks to promote affordable housing and address unoccupied properties.
Foundation for Puerto Rico - $250,000.00 will support a combination of five nonprofit organizations and municipalities within the Eastern Region Community Network. Foundation for Puerto Rico will focus their efforts on assisting recipients within Fajardo, Naguabo, and El Yunque National Rainforest. The project will focus on developing a visitor economy, outdoor recreation, increasing mobility options, environmental stewardship of natural resources, and building climate resilience.
Institute for Building Technology and Safety - $250,000.00 to support the Municipality of Ceiba and three Ceiba-based nonprofit organizations within the Eastern Region Community Network. IBTS will advise on planning and economic development, governance, disaster relief management, the solidarity economy, and green and sustainable initiatives.
Protectores de Cuencas - $250,000.00 will support the Municipality of Guánica and six other nonprofit organizations throughout the Southwestern Community Network. Protectores de Cuencas will provide technical assistance to the Municipality of Guánica on tourism and sustainable economic development, as well as advising two nonprofit organizations each in Guánica, Maricao, and Mayaguez on capacity building and fostering socioeconomic development through natural, cultural, and tourism assets.
In addition, State Director Trujillo-Ortega stated “USDA Rural Development is pleased to announce the awarding of:
- $144,068 to Pathstone Enterprise Center. This funding will be used to provide technical assistance and training focused on financing, marketing business plan to 100 entrepreneurs.
- $93,658 to Vitrina Solitaria a non-for-profit organizer with workshop and coaching sessions to entrepreneurs and small business in the municipalities of Luquillo, Fajardo, and Ceiba.
- $33,974 to Latino Economic Development Corporation to provide technical assistance for small businesses in the municipalities of Maricao, Guánica, Adjuntas, Lajas, Jayuya and Comerio.
- Finally, a $31,200 grant from the Community Program to Fundación Bucarabon to buy a transportation Van to provide transportation services and delivery of prepare meals to the rural community of the municipality of Utuado among other.
USDA Rural Development is committed to improving the economy and quality of life in rural America. Through a variety of programs, USDA RD helps rural residents buy homes, finance essential infrastructure and facilities, and create jobs through business development.
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