The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is seeking applications for grants to improve rural transportation systems. The grants are being made available through USDA's Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program.
Qualified intermediaries can use the grants to provide technical assistance and training leading to the improvement of rural transportation services or facilities.
National organizations with experience providing rural communities with technical assistance and training related to transportation systems to are eligible to apply. Assistance may be provided to local and regional governments, federally-recognized tribes, public transit agencies, and related nonprofit or for-profit organizations. The grants will be awarded on a competitive basis.
Applications that also incorporate any of the following categories will receive priority:
- Support projects located in Opportunity Zones;
- Serve the smallest communities with the lowest incomes, with an emphasis on areas where 20 percent or more of the population is living in poverty; and
- Reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with substance use disorders in high-risk rural communities.
The application deadline is June 25, 2019. Electronic applications must be submitted to grants.gov by 9:00 p.m. PST. In Oregon, paper applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. PST at the following address:
USDA Rural Development
ATTN: Business and Cooperative Programs
1220 SW 3rd Avenue
Suite 1801
Portland, OR 97204
For more information, including details on how to apply, see page 11487 of the March 27, 2019, Federal Register.
Questions related to USDA Business Programs in Oregon may be directed to a local Business and Cooperative Specialist. Those with project proposals outside of Oregon should contact USDA Rural Development in the corresponding state.