USDA Seeks Applications for Rural Economic Development Grants
WASHINGTON, July 24, 2019 – Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to promote rural economic development and job creation projects.
The grants are being provided through USDA’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. Eligible applicants include any entity that USDA Rural Development identifies as an eligible borrower under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.
The grants can be used for business startup costs; business expansion; business incubators; technical assistance feasibility studies; advanced telecommunications services and computer networks for medical, educational, and job training services; and community facilities projects for economic development.
USDA encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB) to help improve life in rural America.
Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation. Key strategies include:
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Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
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Developing the Rural Economy
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Harnessing Technological Innovation
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Supporting a Rural Workforce
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Improving Quality of Life
Application deadlines are First Quarter, Sept. 30, 2019; Second Quarter, Dec. 31, 2019; Third Quarter, March 31, 2020; and Fourth Quarter, June 30, 2020. Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. local time at the Rural Development state office where the project will be located.
See page 34333 of the July 18, 2019, Federal Register for additional information. Or contact, Ms. Patricia Navarrette here in New Mexico at 505-761-4961, or email her at: patricia.navarrette@usda.gov