$1 Million in USDA Grants to Boost Rural Communities in NH and VT

On Monday, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) broke exciting news, revealing the allocation of over $1 million in grant funding to seven communities in Vermont and New Hampshire. These grants were issued as part of the USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program, which aims to energize rural communities with essential infrastructure and services.

Notably, a large chunk of these grants are geared toward communities located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont and the North Country of New Hampshire. This focus underlines the agency’s commitment to invigorating areas that often go unnoticed. The announcement also highlighted that a whopping $800 million has been distributed to a total of 139 recipients nationwide, with the explicit aim of bolstering rural communities across the United States.

USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack passionately spoke about the initiative, stating, “USDA invests in rural America because we know strong communities are rooted in their people.” He added, “Equipping these communities with state-of-the-art infrastructure not only creates good-paying jobs but also opens the door for residents to construct brighter, more prosperous futures for themselves and their families.”

This news comes as a testament to the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing efforts to strengthen rural America. Secretary Vilsack emphasized the administration’s dedication by saying, “The investments we’re announcing today illustrate the unwavering commitment of the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that people living and working in rural regions have every available resource to succeed—and that they can find these opportunities right in their own backyard.”

The USDA’s generous grant is anticipated to have far-reaching impacts, from upgrading local healthcare facilities to improving educational systems and even revamping public safety mechanisms. It’s not just about building structures; it’s about building communities. It’s a move that resonates deeply with the idea that the success of the nation as a whole is intricately tied to the well-being of its smaller communities.