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USDA Rural Development Celebrates Native American Heritage Month

Name
Deborah Drbal
City
Lincoln
Release Date

USDA Rural Development celebrates Native American Heritage Month by recognizing partners that work together to meet the business and economic development needs of Native Americans residing in Nebraska.  Rural Development Native American earmark funding sources have provided financial assistance to Tribes, Villages, non-profits and community colleges. 

Nebraska Native Americans have received technical assistance for food businesses and farmers’ markets, help to gain organic certification and to purchase equipment for food preparation, processing and storage.  Rural Development funds have provided education and training to main street businesses and Native American artists.  Funds have been used for feasibility studies, strategic planning, tourism plans and marketing.  Projects have included construction, renovation and equipment for business incubators and training facilities.  Recipients have used funding for downtown business revitalization planning, planning for industrial parks, business and community facility development. 

Rural Development programs and funding opportunities are available in rural areas under 50,000 population, Native American earmark and non-earmark funding sources are available.  For information on Rural Development programs visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/ne .  To discuss eligibility of a potential project for your community contact one of the following Business Program Specialists.

* Marla Marx, marla.marx@ne.usda.gov or 308-632-2195 extension 1132 – panhandle and southwest counties

* Kelley Messenger, kelley.messenger@ne.usda.gov or 308-237-3118 extension 120 – north and south central counties

* Bill Sheppard, bill.sheppard@ne.usda.gov  or 402-371-5350 extension 1004 – northeast and southeast counties