WASHINGTON — More marketing opportunities are coming to rural businesses and entrepreneurs across the nation after the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a $981 million marketing investment on Tuesday.
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says the new investment will create new and better marketing opportunities for owners and workers from rural businesses.
Vilsack also says the department will team up with President Biden and Vice President Harris, who will guide the funding.
This allows more people to start their own businesses and grow established companies in towns that didn't have access to important resources and financing.
Different state projects with the funding will keep resources and wealth within rural areas through affordable financing and technical assistance.
In Alabama, the West Dallas Water Authority will make improvements to 69 homes and a church by providing clean and updated water services.
The project will use a $268,000 loan and $788,000 grant through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantee Program.
This will prevent people living in these homes and the church from using individual water wells.
The improvements will also provide more fire hydrants which will increase fire protection in the area.
The Woodbury County REC in Iowa will build a new medical clinic through the Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.
The new health clinic will bring more people to the Moville Area Medical Clinic, assist medical professionals, and increase employment.
The USDA funding through the Iowa program will also create 12 new jobs.
Idaho's Arsiero Air will purchase a K-1200 heavy lifting helicopter to expand their timber harvesting operation.
The nearly $4.5 million loan through the Rural Business and Industry Loan Guarantees Program will allow the company to gain access to timber in new locations.
The new timber locations gives the company the opportunity to complete new and existing timber harvesting contracts, which creates 18 new jobs.
The USDA is making 242 awards through 8 programs designed to create economic opportunities for people and businesses living in rural places.
Some of these programs include the Biofuel Producer Relief Payments Program, the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, and the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Grants Program.
The programs are open to 47 states, including Georgia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If you are interested in learning more about Rural Development projects, you can visit the USDA website.
