Not lost during the Obama Administration's week-long focus on the rural economy and the White House Rural Council was the announcement of support for several projects that would fund small business and job creation opportunities, and train workers. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced support for projects to create jobs and improve the quality of life in rural communities in 31 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Also, additional grants were announced to bring transportation improvements to Native American communities.
The biggest piece of the pie was financing totaling nearly 55-million dollars in loans and grants to support 107projects through USDA Rural Development's Community Facilities Program. Eligible projects include essential community facilities for public use in rural areas such as fire protection, safety, health care, education and other community needs. |