Funding Will Support Businesses, Employment in USDA Rural Partners Network Communities
CARSON CITY, Nev., July 2, 2024 – The Biden-Harris administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), today announced that the Nevada Lithium Batteries and Other EV Material Loop (“The Loop”) consortium led by the University of Nevada Reno, (UNR) in the Carson City-Reno region was designated as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs in regions across the country that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors. EDA has selected projects for funding in the Nevada Tech Hub for an estimated award of $21 million, to be finalized in the coming months.
This investment is projected to support business creation, employment, technological innovation, and career pathways in rural Nevada, specifically in rural communities included in USDA’s Rural Partners Network (RPN), which includes Nye County, Esmeralda County, and Mineral County. RPN and UNR have long been partners, with UNR Extension staff supporting RPN initiatives in rural communities such as community health surveys in Tonopah and a community garden in Searchlight. EDA, who funded this investment, is also a participant in USDA’s Rural Partners Network nationwide.
“We’re proud to see the Biden-Harris Administration ensure that Nevadans are included in more and better markets,” said USDA RD-Nevada State Director Lucas Ingvoldstad. “USDA stands ready to support the efforts of the Nevada Tech Hub to grow rural economies and bolster rural communities through Rural Development and the Rural Partners Network.”
Background: Rural Partners Network
USDA-RD is the lead agency for the Rural Partners Network, an alliance of federal agencies and commissions, including U.S. Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Administration, working directly with rural communities to expand rural prosperity through job creation, infrastructure development, and community improvement.
USDA RD-NV has in-state RPN staff dedicated as community liaisons in five selected Community Networks to provide technical assistance and connect resources and staff from across the Federal government to improve access to programs and advance local projects. These collaborations drive local efforts to enhance the economy and improve the quality of life for local households. Each Community Network is a distinct entity managed and led by local community members.
The five Community Networks are as follows:
- Southern Nevada: Nye and Esmeralda Counties
- Sierra Region: Lyon and Mineral Counties
- Moapa Valley: Clark County, North and Central Communities
- Southern Clark County: Clark County, Southeastern Communities
- Nevada 95-80 Regional Development: Humboldt and Pershing Counties