Vilsack, Texas Rural Funders discuss infrastructure in rural Texas

TL/DR -

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack met with Texas Rural Funders (TRF) to discuss the deployment of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) investments and resources to rural Texas, with a focus on underserved communities. The USDA offers programs and investments for rural families, small towns, farms, and small businesses in Texas, which has the largest rural population of any state. The mission of TRF is to use the power of philanthropy to strengthen rural Texas by providing grants that support staffing, technical assistance, and matching funds, enabling rural communities to access additional investments.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary and Texas Rural Funders Discuss USDA Investments in Rural Texas

Houston, Texas -- U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack visited the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo to discuss with Texas Rural Funders (TRF) the deployment of U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) resources to rural Texas, including underserved communities.

"Texas has the largest rural population in the U.S. and USDA offers targeted programs and investments for them. However, communities who need the federal grants and loans to modernize infrastructure or secure high-speed internet often lack the necessary resources to access them," said Vilsack. "TRF plays a crucial role in bridging this gap in rural Texas."

TRF aims to leverage the power of philanthropy to augment rural Texas. They provide grants that support staffing, technical assistance, and matching funds that not only spur innovation but also enable rural communities to unlock additional investments.

"While rural communities face challenges in meeting critical infrastructure needs, all Texas families and businesses should have access to broadband, water, education, and healthcare," said Dr. Kelty Garbee, Executive Director of TRF.

Secretary Vilsack pointed to USDA investments in Texas that are building infrastructure for rural communities and leveraging investments and support from philanthropy. For instance:

• Tatum Telephone received a grant and loan for $1.45 million to bolster high-speed internet connection benefiting 520 people and 25 businesses in Panola County.
• Eastex Telephone Cooperative, Inc. received $25 million from USDA’s Rural Utility Service ReConnect Round 4 program. This will deliver high-speed internet service to vulnerable communities within Cherokee and Anderson Counties.
• City of Idalou will use a $2.85 million loan to replace an aged storage tank and construct a water treatment facility to eliminate well contamination, benefiting 2,250 rural customers.
• McClelland Water Supply Corporation will use a $1.98 million loan to improve their service area, serving approximately 2,000 residents south of Shelbyville, Texas.

TRF maintains a Grants Hub for rural communities to find state, federal, and private funding for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other needs. It also includes a list of vetted grant writers.

Learn more about TRF and their efforts for rural Texas at texasruralfunders.org.

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