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Congressman Gonzalez Encourages Rural South Texas Towns to Apply for Available USDA Economic Development Funding

August 22, 2018

WASHINGTON – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-15) is encouraging eligible small and rural towns in the 15th District of Texas to apply for cooperative agreement funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) initiative.

The USDA is planning to award up to $750,000 for REDI initiatives that hold the potential to develop long-term planning for economic growth to small and rural towns in the 15th District of Texas.

"I encourage all small and rural South Texas communities to consider applying for this federal funding," Congressman Gonzalez said. "This funding is a gateway to opportunity and we in the 15th District of Texas must seize every chance to make our dreams a reality."

Eligible applicants must demonstrate a national structure and/or capacity to deliver and support multiple rural planning activities across the country. Additionally, eligible organizations must meet a matching fund requirement that is at least equal to the amount of the cooperative agreement award.

Applications must be submitted September 5, 2018. Applicants who have been selected for funding will receive a letter of official notification and will be awarded a cooperative agreement authorized under 7 USC 204b(b)(4). Applicants should plan their projects based on a start date of September 30, 2018. Projects must be completed within 24 months.

For additional details, please see page 41046 of the Aug. 17 Federal Register by clicking here.

USDA encourages application submissions 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 also 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

Congressman Gonzalez will continue working with local, state, and federal officials to highlight grants or programs that empower communities in rural South Texas.

Issues:Economy