RALEIGH, N.C., July 27, 2021 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is investing $1.7 million in rural economic development projects in North Carolina.
USDA is providing the funding through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program. Through this program, USDA provides zero-interest loans and grants to utilities. The utilities then lend funds to local businesses for projects that create and retain employment in rural areas. Eligible applicants are USDA’s Electric Program and Telecom Program borrowers.
“Through the REDLG program, USDA is making capital available to create jobs and spur economic growth in rural communities in North Carolina,” said USDA Rural Development Acting State Director Mel Ellis. “The program is a flexible and innovative providing zero-interest loans and grants to USDA Rural Utilities Service borrowers. We are investing back into the rural areas of our state to help them continue to grow.”
Listed below are some of the ways the REDLG program is creating opportunities in rural North Carolina communities.
- Town of Aberdeen is receiving a $300 thousand grant to buy a pumper truck and related equipment with assistance from Lumbee River EMC. Aberdeen's Fire Department provides fire protection services to portions of Moore and Hoke counties, including the communities of Crestline and Ashely Heights.
- Beaver Dam Volunteer Fire Department is receiving a $225 thousand grant to purchase a pumper truck with assistance from Blue Ridge EMC.
- Burnsville Volunteer Fire and Rescue is receiving a $478 thousand loan purchase a pumper truck and related equipment with assistance from Pee Dee Electric Membership Corporation.
- Conetoe Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is receiving a $300 thousand grant to construct a new fire station with assistance from Edgecombe-Martin County EMC.
- Hatteras Village is receiving a $300 thousand grant to construct a pedestrian and bike pathway with assistance from Cape Hatteras EMC. The pathway will increase the safety of pedestrians and bikers between the ferry docks and the village.
- Town of Lilesville receiving a $145 thousand grant for the purchase of a rear-load garbage truck and 300 trash carts with assistance from the Pee Dee Electric Membership Corporation.
“When we invest in infrastructure, we’re investing in the people of rural America to help create thriving communities where they can grow and prosper. These loans and grants will help rural communities build back better and support job creation,” Maxson said. “Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Secretary Vilsack, USDA is working tirelessly to be a strong advocate for and investor in infrastructure and economic development in rural communities across the country.”
Today’s announcement includes investments in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office.
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Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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