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DENVER -- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA is investing more than $1.2 billion in loans and grants to spur economic development, catalyze rural prosperity and advance equity through rural cooperatives in 36 states and Puerto Rico. Last month, USDA celebrated its 59th annual National Cooperative Month and the vital role cooperatives play in helping people build bright futures in rural America.
"Cooperatives serve as one of our most important partners in delivering critical goods and services to rural communities," Secretary Vilsack said. "For more than a century, the cooperative business model has been integral to rural advancement and the American economy, and today accounts for more than two million jobs across the country. The investments we are announcing today will ensure that cooperatives continue the important work of serving the unique needs of their communities, filling market gaps and building local wealth and opportunities for connection across rural America."
Secretary Vilsack made the announcement during a roundtable with rural community and small business leaders in Colorado, as officials from the Administration are traveling the country as part of the Investing in Rural America Event Series to highlight how the Biden-Harris Administration's investments are bringing new revenue to farms, increased economic development in rural towns and communities, and more opportunity throughout the country.
The announcement includes a total of $1.2 billion in awards that will support 112 projects in diverse communities and industries in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and Puerto Rico.
For example:
. In the West, EHC Bullhead City LP is receiving a $10 million Business and Industry loan guarantee to build a micro-hospital and urgent care facility in Bullhead City, Mohave County, Arizona. The facility will increase the availability of the emergency room, urgent care, and hospital services in this rural community and create 40 jobs.
. In the Midwest, Wayne-White Counties Electric Coop Inc. is receiving a $93,600 Rural Economic Development Loan to allow the Union Drainage District in Illinois to replace its old, inefficient drainage water pump and diesel motor. This investment will help protect over 9,000 acres of farmland from flood waters and make the agriculture economy more resilient to climate change.
. In the North, Keystone Development Center (KDC) Inc. is receiving a $200,000 Rural Cooperative Development Grant to improve the economic condition and quality of life of rural communities in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and Maryland. This investment will help KDC host the Cooperative Academy and support the development of at least 17 cooperative projects.
. In the South, the Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance is receiving a $175,000 Socially Disadvantaged Group Grant to assist small socially disadvantaged groups in farm business plans, leadership development, and strategic planning outreach activities that will enhance agricultural enterprises for 75 producers from six counties located in rural northeast Mississippi.