Nebraska USDA Rural Development State Director Maxine Moul announces that USDA is investing in rural businesses and development organizations to spur economic growth in rural areas and in Tribal communities.
The Village of Walthill, Nebraska is the recipient of a $45,000 Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) that will be used to assess and develop a Downtown Revitalization Plan and Business Revitalization Strategy to bring economic viability to the Village of Walthill. The project will potentially bring six jobs to the Village, which has a population of 780. The funding is provided by Native American set aside funds. Native American funds are used for projects where more than 75 percent of the benefits of the project will be received by members of a Federal-recognized Native American Tribe.
"This investment is part of the Obama Administration's ongoing efforts to help rural and Tribal communities that have the greatest need for assistance," said Moul. "USDA is targeting capital and technical assistance to small businesses and development organizations to help stimulate more business activity in areas that are struggling economically. This will help revitalize these small, remote rural communities and create much-needed jobs for local residents."
The funding is being provided through USDA's Rural Business Opportunity Grant program promotes sustainable economic development in rural communities with exceptional needs.
Funding is contingent upon the recipient meeting the terms of the grant agreement.
Today's announcement was made possible by the 2014 Farm Bill. The legislation builds on historic economic gains in rural America during the past five years while achieving meaningful reform and billions of dollars in savings for taxpayers. Since its enactment, USDA has made significant progress to implement each provision of this critical legislation, including providing disaster relief to farmers and ranchers; strengthening risk management tools; expanding access to rural credit; funding critical research; establishing innovative public-private conservation partnerships; developing new markets for rural-made products; and investing in infrastructure, housing and community facilities to help improve the quality of life in rural America. For more information, visit www.usda.gov/farmbill.
To discuss a proposed project, ask questions or to obtain an application template, please contact one of the following Business Program Specialists:
* Marla Marx, marla.marx@ne.usda.gov or 308-632-2195 extension 1132 – Panhandle including northwest and southwest counties.
* Kelley Messenger, kelley.messenger@ne.usda.gov or 308-237-3118 extension 1120 – north and south central counties.
* Bill Sheppard, bill.sheppard@ne.usda.gov or 402-371-5350 extension 1004 – northeast and southeast counties.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.