USDA Invests $3.5M to Support Entrepreneurs, Clean Energy Growth, and Community Infrastructure
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small is announcing over $3.5 million in loan and grants to support business development, community infrastructure, and clean energy progress for small business owners and residents in rural Arizona.
“When rural towns have robust infrastructure and vibrant small businesses, rural people have better opportunities close to home,” Deputy Secretary Torres Small said. “The Biden-Harris Administration understands the importance of investing in these opportunities. That’s why I’m proud to announce 12 new awards that will lower energy costs, create good paying jobs, and ensure adequate water access for rural Arizonans.”
Of the total announced today, a $2 million grant will go to the Tubac Fire District to construct a new fire station. This expansion project will make significant upgrades including better security, additional vehicle storage space, secured parking, and safety improvements. The fire district serves 10,000 residents in a 166 square mile area, including parts of Tubac, Tumacácori, Amado, and Rio Rico in Santa Cruz County. This funding is provided through USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities Program.
Rural entrepreneurs will benefit from Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG) awards made to the Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Northern Arizona Tech & Business Incubator, and the City of Winslow. Each of these organizations will use grant funds to establish and expand business incubators. The City of Kingman in Mohave County will also use RBDG funds to complete a feasibility study for a potential event center and update their economic development strategic plan. These projects will help the community determine how to best serve their residents and visitors and encourage economic vitality. The purpose of the RBDG program is to promote economic development and job creation in rural areas.
Six businesses are receiving grants through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to purchase and install solar systems that will reduce energy costs, generate new income, and support the livelihood of these rural business owners. Through the REAP program, USDA provides grants and loans to help ag producers and rural small business owners expand their use of wind, solar and other forms of clean energy and make energy efficiency improvements. These projects are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis.
Finally, the Town of Superior in Pinal County is receiving a $733,000 loan through the Water and Waste Disposal Program to make final improvements to its wastewater system. The wastewater treatment plant has been under construction and has previously used $4.1 million in USDA loans and grants to make repairs and improvements to ensure safe conditions for the town’s 2,400 residents.
View the full details of each investment online.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/az.