— from U.S. Department of Agriculture —
WASHINGTON, July 22, 2020 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking feedback to launch a new program to help create high-wage jobs in rural communities and strengthen regional economies.
Under the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) program, USDA intends to make grants available to help eligible entities establish jobs accelerators and Innovation Centers to support the rural workforce by helping rural communities identify and maximize local assets and connect to regional opportunities, networks, and industry clusters. RISE will be delivered in accordance with the provisions of Section 6424 of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the Farm Bill).
USDA is hosting virtual listening sessions on a final rule that will be published this Fall.
- To register to attend the July 28 session at 2 p.m. EDT, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/537924559832153601
- To register to attend the July 30 session at 2 p.m. EDT, visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2719620429219806478.
Comments on RISE program application requirements and project priorities may be submitted at www.regulations.gov. Additional information is available on page 44273 of the July 22 Federal Register.
USDA encourages applications that will support recommendations made in the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB) to help improve life in rural America. Applicants are encouraged to consider projects that provide measurable results in helping rural communities build robust and sustainable economies through strategic investments in infrastructure, partnerships and innovation. Key strategies include:
- Achieving e-Connectivity for Rural America
- Developing the Rural Economy
- Harnessing Technological Innovation
- Supporting a Rural Workforce
- Improving Quality of Life
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