Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced an investment of $102 million in the expansion of housing and water infrastructure access for people in rural and underserved areas.
The benefits of the funds will be felt in 47 states as well as in American Samoa, according to a Dec. 16 news release.
“Thanks to the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, USDA can help invest in opportunity and prosperity for all people, regardless of background or financial status, who make up the character and personality of our great country’s rural lands,” Torres Small said in the release.
This funding comes in addition to an expansion of the Rural Partners Network, which works to ensure that people who reside in rural areas can have access to federal resources, the release reported. This organization is led by the USDA with the support of more than 20 government agencies and some Tribal organizations.
Torres Small reported 11 USDA programs were specifically designed to help communities and people in underserved rural areas, according to the release. These programs are Water and Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands and Colonias, Appalachian Regional Commission Grants, Delta Health Care Grants, Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grants, Housing Preservation Grants, Rural Community Development Initiative Grants, Tribal College Initiative Grants, Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, Rural and Native Alaskan Village Grants, Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants and Community Facilities Disaster Grant Program.
