USDA Seeks Applications to Support Regional Economic and Community Development Planning to Create Thriving Communities for Rural People

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is seeking applications to implement regional economic and community development projects to create thriving communities for people in rural America.

The 2018 Farm Bill authorized USDA to make this funding available under the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) initiative to support projects that will help rural people and economies prepare for the future. It can be used to implement projects that are included in multi-jurisdictional and multi-sectoral strategic community investment plans. In fiscal year 2023, this funding is available under the following
USDA Rural Development programs:

• Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program
• Community Facilities Loan Guarantee Program
• Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan and Grant Program
• Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees
• Rural Business Development Grants
• Community Connect Grants

For more information, read the full Stakeholder Announcement.