The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is seeking feedback to help launch a new program that will create high-wage jobs in rural communities and strengthen regional economies.
Under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Program, USDA intends to make grants available to help rural communities and regional stakeholders establish job accelerators and innovation centers to support the rural workforce. The innovation centers created through this program will improve the ability of distressed rural communities to create high-wage jobs and accelerate the formation of new businesses with high growth potential. They will also help rural communities identify and maximize local assets and connect to regional opportunities, networks, and industry clusters.
Rural Development is seeking input from the public on a final rule to establish the RISE Program, which will be published this fall. Written comments on the RISE Program application requirements and project priorities may be submitted online at www.regulations.gov.
This new program was authorized by Section 6424 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill). Additional information is available on page 44273 of the July 22, 2020, Federal Register.