USDA is awarding approximately $12.7 million in grants and loans to support 14 economic development projects that will help rural and Tribal communities address immediate needs and create sustainable economic growth. Many of these projects are the direct result of collaboration between community networks and federal RPN staff living and working in the communities.

“We are announcing a new slate of economic development projects to lower costs, create jobs and update critical infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities participating in the Rural Partners Network,” said Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight in a press release. “Many of these projects are the direct result of collaboration between community members and federal RPN staff living and working in the communities.”

Projects will lower costs for families and small businesses, create jobs and expand business opportunities. Communities will use funding to transition to clean energy, modernize infrastructure, provide affordable housing and enhance community water and food supplies.

For Example:

In Bladen County, Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial Inc. will use a $150 thousand USDA Rural Business Development Grant to assist a healthcare provider to relocate to the Elizabethtown area to provide primary care and dermatological services for the County.

In Bladen County, Gooden Village NC LLC, will use a $776 thousand USDA Multi-Family Housing Loan (MFHL) to assist in the transfer, assumption and rehabilitation of a senior Section 515 multi-family housing complex. The project consists of 24 one-bedroom units.

In Robeson County, Woodfield Apts NC LLC, will use a $897 thousand USDA MFHL to assist in the transfer, assumption and rehabilitation of Woodfield Apartments, a senior Section 515 multi-family housing complex. The project consists of 28 two-bedroom and four three-units.

In Robeson County, Brookside NC LLC, will use a $930 thousand USDA MFHL to assist in the transfer, assumption and rehabilitation of Brookside Apartments, a family Section 515 multi-family housing complex. The project consists of 10 one-bedroom and 22 two-bedroom units.

In Robeson County, Rowland Rural Fire Department Inc., will use a $56 thousand USDA Community Facilities Loan to purchase fire equipment for the Rowland Rural Fire Department Inc. The purchase will consist of truck equipment to include turnout gear, portable radios, vehicle radios, and pagers.

Nationwide, USDA is awarding approximately $49 million in grants and loans to support 59 economic development projects that will help rural and Tribal communities address immediate needs and create sustainable economic growth. View the full list of investments online. 

The Biden-Harris Administration launched the Rural Partners Network in April 2022 to ensure people in historically underserved communities receive their fair share of funding from federal agencies. For more information on RPN, visit Rural.gov.