RUS: Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Community Connect Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Register

Mar 20, 2023 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announcing the availability of up to $79 million in grant funding for the Community Connect Grant Program for fiscal year 2023. The Community Connect Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide service at or above the broadband grant speed to all premises in rural, economically challenged communities where broadband service does not exist. Applications are due by June 20, 2023.

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RBS: Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant for Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Register

Mar 17, 2023 - The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) announces the availability of up to $3 million in competitive grants under the Socially Disadvantaged Groups Grant (SDGG) program for fiscal year 2023. The purpose of the SDGG program is to provide technical assistance to socially disadvantaged groups in rural areas through cooperatives and Cooperative Development Centers. Technical assistance includes feasibility studies, business plans, strategic planning, and leadership training. Applications are due by May 16, 2023.

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Rural Communities Want to Tap Federal Funding. But It's Hard to Know Where to Start

Mar 8, 2023 - Discusses challenges rural communities encounter when searching and applying for federal funds. Highlights the work of the Rural Partners Network in the current communities they serve and how they share information to guide rural communities to federal funding programs.

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Biden-Harris Administration Invests $59 Million to Strengthen Food Supply Chain and Rural Economies

Feb 21, 2023 - Announces that the Biden-Harris Administration is investing $59 million across the country to increase independent meat and poultry processing capacity, expand market opportunities for farmers, and create jobs in rural areas.

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Biden-Harris Administration Delivers on its Promises to Invest in Rural People, Climate-Smart Solutions, and America's Food System

Feb 6, 2023 - Highlights the 2022 accomplishments of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development, including investments to support equity, food systems, and health care facilities.

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USDA Launches Rural Data Gateway to Strengthen Partnerships and Expand Access to Resources for People in Rural America

Feb 3, 2023 - Announces the unveiling of the Rural Data Gateway, a new resource to make the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)'s data for rural projects easier to access. The Rural Data Gateway will help USDA better target resources to the people who need them most in rural places and will help the Department be a stronger partner to rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and other stakeholders.

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RUS: Section 306C Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loans and Grants Federal Register

Feb 1, 2023 - Notice of final rule with comment period from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) revise the Section 306C Water and Waste Disposal (WWD) Loans and Grants program regulations. These revisions are being made to to implement changes recommended by the May 15, 2018, Government Accountability Office (GAO) Audit Report, "Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure: Opportunities Exist to Enhance Federal Agency Needs Assessment and Coordination on Tribal Projects." This final rule also implements other changes to clarify terminology and policies, update scoring criteria, and allow the program to run more efficiently. This rule is effective May 2, 2023. Comments are due by April 3, 2023.

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