In a recent U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) news release, it was announced that $13 million in funding will be made available to invest in access to water infrastructure and to help create more job opportunities for those living in colonias, rural and Tribal communities. 

“Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA believes that people everywhere, regardless of where they live, should have peace of mind using basic community infrastructure, whether that means drinking safe water or having equipment to learn skills for a new career,” Xochitl Torres Small, USDA under secretary for Rural Development, said in the release.

The goal of the initiative is to ensure that people living in rural areas have access to various economic opportunities that historically have been lacking in those areas, the release said. The funds from the initiative will be used to further that goal by establishing organizations and programs that will incentivize companies and government agencies to serve those areas and that purpose.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris, Agriculture Secretary [Tom] Vilsack and Members of Congress like Congressman [Raul] Ruiz, USDA can help invest in this peace of mind and build opportunity and prosperity for the people who call rural America home,” Torres Small said.