By Jamie Martin
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is celebrating the two-year anniversary of the Rural Partners Network (RPN) with a new wave of investments aimed at bolstering rural and Tribal communities. Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that these projects, supported largely by the Inflation Reduction Act, focus on modernizing infrastructure and enhancing clean energy resources.
Since its inception, RPN has facilitated over $1 billion in funding across approximately 4,700 projects, demonstrating significant progress in meeting the needs of underserved areas. The current funding round allocates about $144 million in loans and grants to 56 projects, which will improve water systems, energy technologies, and community facilities.
Key examples of these investments include a large-scale solar array installation at a Georgia poultry farm, expected to generate substantial energy savings, and the construction of a new emergency services station in Wisconsin, enhancing response capabilities in several townships.
This initiative also ties into broader federal efforts under President administration, such as the Justice40 Initiative and the Investing in America agenda, which aim to ensure equitable distribution of resources and promote sustainable practices across the nation.
With these continued investments, the USDA not only aims to address immediate community needs but also to lay the groundwork for long-term economic stability and environmental resilience in America's rural landscapes.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: National