USDA Unveils Tool to Help Rural Communities Address the COVID-19 Pandemic

The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted a one-stop-shop of Federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations, and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide is an online resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic. USDA has taken many … Read more

USDA Invests $192 Million in Rural Water Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $192 million in 71 rural water infrastructure projects across 29 states. The funding comes from the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Rural communities, water districts and other eligible entities can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural … Read more

USDA Accepts Grant Applications for Communities of 10,000 or Less

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has $392 million available to help rebuild and improve rural water and wastewater infrastructure in 42 states. The USDA is supporting investments in 120 infrastructure projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, which can be used to finance drinking water, stormwater drainage, and waste disposal … Read more

Minnesota Pursues $795M for Clean Water & Wildlife Habitats

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton submitted a $795 million proposal in December to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) for the State. This Federal, State, and local partnership would work with farmers and other landowners across Minnesota to implement conservation practices on up to 100,000 acres of land to restore … Read more

USDA Rural Development Loans & Grants Available for Rural Water Infrastructure

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is accepting applications for loans and grants to build rural water infrastructure. Applications may be completed online through RDAPPLY, a new electronic filing system, and at state and local Rural Development offices. Public entities such as counties, townships, and communities, as well as non-profit organizations and tribal … Read more

$332M USDA Grants to Protect Wetlands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide $332 million in financial and technical assistance through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will accept ACEP applications to protect the nation’s critical wetlands and grasslands. The funding can also be used to help productive farm and ranch lands remain in … Read more