Rural Community Building

USDA Announces Federal Resource Guide to Assist Rural Communities

In a recent press release, USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dallas Tonsager today announced the publication of a guide outlining programs the federal government has available to support rural communities to promote economic development and enhance the quality of life for rural residents.

The publication Federal Resources for Sustainable Rural Communities is a collaborative effort among USDA, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency. The publication compiles all of the federal resources that can support rural communities in their efforts to promote economic competitiveness, protect healthy environments, modernize infrastructure and provide services to residents. The guide has key information on funding and technical assistance opportunities available from the four agencies, as well as examples of how rural communities across the country have benefitted from federal resources.

The Partnership for Sustainable Communities  website includes contact information for each agency’s sustainable communities’ office, ongoing project updates for sustainable community grantees around the country, and recent news and grant information from the Partnership.

The Partnership is based on six Livability Principles: Provide more transportation choices, Promote equitable, affordable housing, Enhance economic competitiveness, Support existing communities, Coordinate and leverage federal policies and investment, and Value communities and neighborhoods.