U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the investment of $121 million in critical infrastructure as part of efforts to combat climate change across rural America.
The investments, according to Deputy Secretary Dr Jewel Bronaugh, who made the announcement, include $111 million for 289 projects to help people living in socially vulnerable communities.
“Rural America is on the frontlines of climate change, and our communities deserve investments that will strengthen all of our resilience,” Bronaugh said. “The Biden-Harris Administration has created a roadmap for how we can tackle the climate crisis and expand access to renewable energy infrastructure”, she added.
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He explained that the investments announced and those made possible by historic funding from President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act will strengthen energy security, create good-paying jobs and save Americans money on their energy costs.
He noted that the funding will also help people in 49 states, Guam and Puerto Rico. It reflects the many ways USDA Rural Development helps rural residents, businesses and communities address economic development, infrastructure and social service needs.
According to him, the investments reflect the goals of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which addresses immediate economic needs and includes the largest ever federal investment in clean energy for the future.
“For example, the Act includes $14 billion in funding for USDA programs that support the expansion of biofuels and help rural businesses and electric cooperatives transition to renewable energy and zero-emission systems,” he said.
Bronaugh highlighted a total of 415 investments that USDA is making through three programs specifically designed to help people and businesses in rural areas.
These programs, according to him include Community Facilities Disaster Grants, Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants, and Rural Energy for America Program Energy Audits and Renewable Energy Development Grants.
“The investments will help state and local government entities, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized Tribes construct, renovate or purchase and install equipment for essential community facilities for public use in rural areas,” he said.
He added that they would further help agricultural producers and rural small businesses purchase and install renewable energy systems and make energy efficiency improvements.
Story was adapted from USDA.
