Town receives funding from USDA for economic development project
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., August 18, 2022 – Yesterday, USDA Rural Development State Director Patricia Dominguez presented a certificate of congratulations to Taos Mayor Pascualito Maestas. The ceremony was held to honor the Town of Taos for its successful application of economic development funds from USDA Rural Development (RD). The $249,988 grant funds from RD’s Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) program allows the Town of Taos to purchase bottling and canning equipment which will then be leased to Rolling Still Brothers.
During the presentation event Director Dominguez said, “We are the only federal agency that focuses solely on the needs of rural residents, businesses and communities. This project is a good example of how USDA RD promotes economic development in rural communities.”
This investment made by Rural Development will help Rolling Still Bros meet its
manufacture of distilled spirits for its growing customer demand and allow the business to expand nationally and enter the new ready to drink market.
The grant allows the business save 14 jobs and create 14 new positions. The saving and creation of new jobs is extremely important because a 2019 report from City-Data.com shows 27.3 percent of the nearly 6,000 residents living in the Town of Taos live in poverty with an unemployment rate at 9.3 percent.
For detailed information on how to apply for the Rural Business Development Grant program go to: Rural Business Development Grants in New Mexico | Rural Development (usda.gov)
Follow USDA Rural Development in New Mexico on Twitter go to: https://twitter.com/RD_NewMexico
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