USDA invests $194 million in rural partnerships for infrastructure and workforce development

December 12, 2024

Rural America is receiving support for infrastructure projects and economic development with the federal government as an ongoing partner. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $194 million for projects spanning 14 states and Puerto Rico. The funding combines $137 million in loans and $57 million in grants to fund projects targeting historically underserved areas. 

The investment is only the latest round of funding through the Rural Partners Network (RPN) represents a shift in how federal agencies engage with rural communities. Instead of requiring local leaders to navigate federal bureaucracies alone, the program places federal staff directly in rural areas to help communities access resources and develop projects. Since its launch in 2022, RPN has facilitated nearly 4,000 partnerships and channeled more than $8.5 billion to 36 community networks. 

RELATED: USDA invests $256 million in rural clean energy projects

At a time when rural America faces persistent challenges including aging infrastructure, limited economic opportunities and increasing energy needs, the program works to address multiple needs simultaneously through infrastructure improvements, workforce development and clean energy projects.  

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack celebrated the announcement, saying in a press release that the investment through the RPN program will demonstrate “how aligning those resources with local blueprints for success will keep rural and tribal communities across the country thriving for generations to come.” 

In Alaska, several projects are receiving support, including a $4.1 million grant to construct a firehouse and emergency medical system facility in Craig. The new facility will centralize emergency response operations and improve response times in the remote region. On Prince of Wales Island, BBL Hydro Inc. received $112,291 to upgrade its Black Bear Lake hydroelectric facility, which will increase power generation capacity by 12.5% – enough to power 92 additional homes annually. 

West Virginia is focusing on critical infrastructure needs, with the town of Sophia receiving $2 million to construct a new wastewater treatment plant outside the 100-year flood plain. The expanded facility will serve communities of Coal City and Princewick, which currently lack municipal sewer systems. The project leverages additional funding from state and local sources, bringing the total investment to over $11 million. 

Georgia is addressing workforce development through a $176,857 grant to Wiregrass Georgia Technical College for training programs. The funding will support the purchase of welding equipment and a motor grader simulator system to address critical labor shortages in the region, where heavy equipment operator positions face up to 50% vacancy rates. 

In Puerto Rico, investments of $250,000 each will help Ganaderos Borges Inc. in Naguabo expand beef processing operations and support Corsos Coffee Farm LLC in Jayuya to expand coffee roasting and packaging capabilities. These agricultural business investments are expected to create multiple new jobs while strengthening local food systems. 

A full list of projects funded through this latest round of RPN grants and loans is available through the USDA website


Photo by Kelly

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