The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced $194 million in grants and loans to fund 118 projects aimed at boosting economic opportunities and sustainability in rural and tribal communities across 14 states and Puerto Rico. This investment builds on the efforts of the Rural Partners Network (RPN), which has mobilized over $8.5 billion in federal resources since its 2022 inception, including $1.5 billion from USDA to support locally driven initiatives. The new projects focus on infrastructure modernization, clean energy transitions, and job creation, according to USDA.
The projects span a wide geographic area, including Alaska, Georgia, Kentucky, and North Carolina. In southeast Alaska, a $51,780 Rural Business Development Grant was allocated to the Southeast Conference to support sawmills and forestry-related businesses in Thorne Bay. This initiative includes technical assistance for local sawmill companies, aiming to stimulate rural bio-based economic growth and create new jobs. Additional investments in the region include upgrades to a hydroelectric plant and other biobased economic initiatives.
In southern Georgia, a technical college will enhance workforce training with new simulation technology. Appalachian communities in Kentucky will modernize sewer systems and invest in renewable energy solutions for small businesses. These investments aim to lower costs for families, foster job growth, and ensure sustainable economic development in historically underserved areas.
In addition to these efforts, USDA is advancing its Better Grants Better Service initiative to streamline grant applications and improve accessibility for rural communities. This initiative, based on feedback from users and staff, is part of a broader push to remove systemic barriers and make federal programs more equitable and effective.
