HENDERSON, N.C., Feb. 15, 2023 – USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small announced an investment in North Carolina rural education with Henderson Collegiate today.
The school will use a $7.5 million Community Facility loan to assist in the building of a new 30 thousand square foot facility that will be utilized for dance, band, and physical education classes.
“Good quality education shouldn’t depend on your zip code,” Under Secretary Torres Small said. “That's why we work with rural communities and partners to expand schools and learning opportunities like those offered at Henderson Collegiate. USDA is making investments like these so the next generation can help build a secure and successful future for all in rural communities in North Carolina and across the country.”
The Under Secretary participated in a ceremony where USDA Rural Development committed the funds to Henderson Collegiate. Afterward she met with school administration and student leadership to discuss the opportunities and challenges that come with receiving an education in rural America.
The objective of the USDA Rural Development Community Facility Loans and Grants Program is to provide affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas.
Under Secretary Torres Small spent the day touring 1st Congressional District of North Carolina announcing upgrades to vital rural infrastructure systems and participating in discussions with district leadership.
Background
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, promoting competition and fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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