Tuesday, Mar 26 2013 11:19AM
A popular USDA program will be expanded to 10 additional states to boost rural community development.
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the agency's "StrikeForce" Initiative program will be expanded to include 10 additional states.
The program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is designed to facilitate economic community development in rural areas by helping to develop partnerships among rural communities, states and organizations to pool resources and maximize the effectiveness of campaigns. The rural community development initiative, which currently includes Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada, will be expanded to include other rural states, including Alaska, Arizona and Utah.
"During my travels across the country, I've heard mayors and other community leaders say they have a hard time competing for USDA loan and grant programs," said Vilsack. "They have a plan to develop a new business or create jobs in their regions, but they lack development capital and they view our application and review processes as a barrier. StrikeForce changes that. By increasing outreach and technical assistance to communities, we can serve as better partners and help better leverage resources."
The program has been instrumental in targeting resources toward the individual needs of states. For example, in Nevada, efforts are being coordinated to provide more access to farm programs in Indian Country. Meanwhile, in New Mexico, the program is boosting health and nutrition among children.
For more information, check out this resource: The U.S. Department of Education