USDA to Bring New Jobs and Improved Infrastructure to Rural Partners Network Communities
Summary
Some projects also will benefit people outside RPN communities in Alabama, Florida and Texas.In the West, the funding will help Tribal communities improve water and wastewater services and bring solar power and other forms of renewable energy to Tribal lands and farms. Residents in parts of Appalachia will benefit from new investments in clean water, expanded health care services and safe, affordable housing.RPN is an all-of-government program more than 800 federal, state and local partners that collaborate to address specific needs in communities that have long struggled to access government programs and funding.Todays announcement includes $394 million in awards from USDA that will benefit RPN communities and support their long-term visions for strong, local economies.A complete list of projects is available online.Launched in April 2022 and expanded in November 2022, the Rural Partners Network is now active in 36 community networks in 10 states and Puerto Rico.Community networks receive support from full-time USDA staff who live and work locally. These staff members provide technical assistance based on each communitys needs, helping them navigate federal programs, build relationships and prepare successful applications for funding. In addition to USDA staff, there are staff at about 20 other federal agencies dedicated to RPN and making resources across the government easier to access for people in rural communities.RPN communities also benefit from coordination through other federal efforts such as the Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization and President Bidens Justice40 Initiative. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas.