Friday, Oct 5 2012 3:06PM
California Representative Lois Capps praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to extend legislation that will maintain the current definition of rural, keeping hundreds of communities qualified for federal programs.
California Representative Lois Capps praised the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) decision to extend legislation that will maintain the current definition of rural, keeping hundreds of communities qualified for federal programs.
More than 900 rural communities, including numerous towns in California, will continue to qualify for USDA Development grants until March 27, 2013, after USDA officially extended the definition rule.
Capps was one of many government figures urging USDA to avoid recalculating population and income limits set to be considered rural, which would have eliminated funding opportunities and potentially reduced rural economic development in many communities.
"This is great news for our rural communities on the Central Coast that can continue to apply for critical rural development funds," she said.
A definition change would have removed assistance for affordable housing and infrastructure projects.
Some current communities benefiting from USDA-sponsored projects include People's Self Help Housing, which constructs affordable housing in California. While the March extension may provide some with peace of mind, Capps said she will continue pushing Congress toward a more permanent solution.
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Congresswoman Lois Capps