New grants support clean energy, small businesses, and jobs
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has pledged $194 million to help foster economic growth and sustainability in underserved rural and tribal communities.
This investment is part of the USDA’s broader efforts to support rural development through the Rural Partners Network (RPN), a collaborative program that connects local communities with federal resources.
RPN was established in 2022 to ensure rural and tribal communities receive fair access to federal funding. Since then, the initiative has brought over $8.5 billion in federal investments to local projects.
The current round of funding will support 118 projects aimed at creating jobs, modernizing infrastructure, and promoting clean energy in rural areas.
In Alaska, hydroelectric plants will be upgraded to increase energy generation, while Georgia will invest in vocational training programs to fill labor gaps. In Kentucky, infrastructure improvements like sewer upgrades and solar installations will help create jobs and reduce costs for local businesses.
Additionally, investments in clean energy and water systems will improve the lives of people living in rural areas. Projects like these aim to make rural communities more resilient and economically viable in the long term.
The USDA continues to work alongside local governments and community leaders to drive sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life in rural America.
These investments will help prepare communities for a prosperous future while addressing their immediate needs.