USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today highlighted the department’s investments in 2020 that are building prosperity and strengthening the nation’s rural businesses and communities.
“Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue, USDA invested a record $40 billion in rural communities in 2020,” Brand said. “This assistance is helping increase economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for rural residents across the 50 states and all U.S. territories.
In Nevada, USDA Rural Development staff worked from home to provide over $151 million in loan and grant funding and provide technical assistance to facilitate access to resources. Nevada State Director Phil Cowee said, “It has been challenging, but I am very proud of the way we are working to meet the needs of customers.”
The USDA Rural Development Business and Cooperatives Program in Nevada helped 15 rural businesses by investing over $1.5 million to help with rural energy, value added producer activities and technical assistance, creating 49 jobs and retaining 21 more.
Rural Housing staff helped 514 families into homeownership, financing nearly $125 million in Rural Home Loans. Another 48 families benefited from $10.5 million in rental assistance.
The Community Development Program obligated $2.3 million for 10 Community Facility projects and invested over $5.5 million in vital water and wastewater infrastructure in seven rural communities. In addition, five telecommunications projects were approved totaling $6.1 million dollars.
USDA Rural Development maintains offices in Elko, Las Vegas and Carson City. For more information contact the State Office at (775) 887-1222.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/nv .