New Data Demonstrates Obama Administration’s Commitment to North Carolina’s Rural Economy
On behalf of the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) commitment to strengthening rural economies, USDA Rural Development State Director for North Carolina Randall Gore announced new data highlighting USDA investments in rural North Carolina. This data summarizes specific USDA investments in rural North Carolina’s businesses, manufacturing, energy, water and other infrastructure development. It also outlines how USDA is helping rural North Carolina attract businesses and families by investing in housing and broadband. This information is part of USDA’s national “Made in Rural America” report illustrating the impact of USDA investments in rural America.
“Supporting our rural communities benefits all North Carolinians” said Gore. “USDA has made dedicated investments in manufacturing, energy and small businesses in rural North Carolina. At the same time, we are bringing reliable services like water, housing and broadband to make these same communities attract and retain a talented workforce. This data shows that the entrepreneurial spirit is strong in rural North Carolina.”
In North Carolina, USDA has made investments to help 590 rural businesses thrive and grow, including $169.4 million investment in rural manufacturing alone. Rural manufacturing supports 113,016 jobs in North Carolina. In addition, USDA has helped 47,517 families purchase or repair homes and has invested $444 million to support efficient water support, treatment and storage facilities, and wastewater treatment systems. This investment has improved the health of thousands of rural North Carolinians who now have access to clean water and reliable sanitation.
More information is available at www.usda.gov/opportunity.
The “Made in Rural America” report reflects USDA’s efforts to strengthen the “four pillars” of a new economy in rural America by developing a robust bio-based economy; promoting exports and production agriculture fueled by increased productivity and research; encouraging conservation including land management, stewardship and outdoor recreational opportunities; and building a strong local and regional food system to harness entrepreneurial innovation and help small and medium-sized family farms succeed in rural America
