WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new nationwide network for rural communities to better access federal resources across all agencies has been announced by the White House.
The Rural Partners Network will be led by USDA and dedicated staff to help rural areas apply for and secure federal funds from the American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
The Rural Partners Network (RPN) is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between federal agencies and local leaders and residents. This Network is focused on improving social and economic well-being bolstered by existing local partnerships and assets.
“Rural America is incredibly diverse – economically, racially, culturally and geographically. What makes sense for one community may not for another,” said U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack. “The Rural Partners Network will help communities get funding for investments that create long-lasting benefits for their communities, especially those that have been overlooked in the past. By providing one-on-one support to these communities, we can lay the foundation for people to build healthy, successful futures on their own terms.”
Eventually, all 50 states will have on the ground federal staff focused on accessing rural resources if approved by Congress.
The recent announcement is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Building a Better America Rural Infrastructure Tour, during which Biden Administration officials are traveling to dozens of rural communities to talk about the impact of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law investments, as well as President Biden’s broader commitment to ensure federal resources reach all communities in rural America.
Information about the Rural Partners Network is available online at Rural.gov.
