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USDA is Seeking Applications for Projects Supporting Regional Economic and Community Development Planning

Name
Erin McDuff
Phone
City
Portland
Release Date

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for projects that prioritize strategic investments to grow the economy and build prosperity in rural communities.

Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) funding may be used to develop and implement multi-jurisdictional or multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans.

Rural Development implements SECD by reserving funds from the appropriations for covered programs. In Fiscal Year 2021, this funding is available under the following programs:

To apply for SECD funding, applicants must meet all requirements and application deadlines for the program to which they are applying. In addition, applicants must submit Form RD 1980-88, "Strategic Economic and Community Development (Section 6401)." Applicants applying for SECD funding through a loan guarantee program may submit forms under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative application guidelines. 

This funding is awarded on a competitive basis. Consideration of proposed projects will be based on:

  1. How well the project supports a multi-jurisdictional plan,
  2. Whether the plain contains evidence of collaboration among multiple stakeholders,
  3. Whether the project leverages applicable regional resources; and
  4. Whether the plan includes clear objectives with measurable metrics.

Applicants are encouraged to contact their local Rural Development office to have their plans reviewed early in the process for feedback and possible modification prior to submission of the formal application.

USDA will host a webinar next month to provide more information about this opportunity. The webinar will include a review of changes to SECD that were included in the 2018 Farm Bill and FY 2021 application requirements.

          What:  FY 2021 Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) Funding Opportunity Webinar
          When:  Tuesday, February 9, 2021
                       1:00 - 2:00 pm PST
          Where:  Online
          How:  Register today

For additional information, see page 1918 of the January 11, 2021, Federal Register.

Questions related to USDA Rural Development programs in Oregon may be directed to a local staff member.