Rep. John Ward, DFL-Brainerd, encouraged constituents and area businesses to apply for grants being offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in economic development and telecommunications.
The USDA is currently accepting applications for loans and grants to create jobs and spur economic development, with funding provided through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant program. Applications must be received by March 31 for third quarter funding and June 30 for fourth quarter funding. Applications must be made through an area specialist — constituents in Rep. Ward’s district can contact Thomas Leach at (218) 829-5965, extension 150; or at thomas.leach@mn.usda.gov.
Under this program, the USDA provides zero-interest loans and grant support to utilities. These funds are then re-loaned to businesses for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas.
The USDA is also accepting applications for telecommunications grants to provide access to education, training and health care resources in rural areas. This funding is provided through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program. Applications must be submitted by April 25. For more information, contact Dominic Henderson at Dominic.Henderson@wdc.usda.gov.
