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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Community and economic development

Jun 24, 2024 - Outlines the launch of the federal Food Access and Retail Expansion Fund (FARE Fund), which will provide $60 million in loans, grants, and technical assistance to support access to healthy foods in rural and underserved communities. Describes projects eligible for funding including land acquisition, equipment purchases, and construction by food retailers and suppliers.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Jun 21, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is accepting applications for the Broadband Technical Assistance (BTA) for fiscal year (FY) 2024. The Broadband Technical Assistance Program provides competitive cooperative agreement funding to eligible entities to receive or deliver broadband technical assistance and training that promotes the expansion of broadband into rural areas. Applications are due by August 20, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Broadband Technical Assistance Program
Jun 21, 2024 - Highlights the efforts of a volunteer expert in mapping broadband needs in a rural Texas community. Notes the impact of prioritizing broadband in high-need areas for community engagement, economics, healthcare access, and more.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Jun 12, 2024 - Summary of federal actions for the promotion of community development, including rural specific work. Highlights programs across the federal government working in capital funding for rural workforce training, housing, infrastructure, and more.
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Jun 12, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) is accepting applications for the Delta Health Care Services (DHCS) grant program for fiscal year 2024. The purpose of the program is to address the unmet healthcare needs in the Delta Region through cooperation among health care professionals, institutions of higher education, research institutions, and economic development entities in the region. Applications are due by August 12, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Jun 11, 2024 - Announces a new consortium of 7 academic institutions that will work to address healthcare workforce shortages, economic development, and regional prosperity for 235 counties in 6 states making up central Appalachia. The consortium will create formal relationships between the universities, conduct needs assessments for healthcare workforce, conduct research, and develop an implementation plan.
Jun 10, 2024 - Announces a new initiative to create the Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty that will work toward helping tribes manage their digital footprint. Notes the impact it could have on tribal economies, healthcare, and infrastructure. The center will support research and capacity building, manage data, offer technical assistance, and educate on internet networks.
Source: High Plains Public Radio
Jun 10, 2024 - The USDA Rural Housing Service is accepting applications for the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) for fiscal year 2024. RCDI provides funding for private, nonprofit, and public intermediary organizations to support housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. Applications that will assist rural communities reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support, ensure rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefits from Rural Development funded projects, and assist rural communities recover economically through more and better market opportunities and through improved infrastructure are encouraged. Electronic applications are due by July 10, 2024, and paper applications must be received by July 15, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI)
Jun 10, 2024 - Discusses the impact of affordable housing shortages on rural economies and workforce recruitment. Highlights a non-profit program in rural Missouri aiming to increase housing options in part by selling homes to schools and hospitals as an incentive to recruit workforce.
Source: The Beacon
Jun 7, 2024 - Discusses the expansion of the Rural Readiness Program in Michigan to include the Rural Readiness Network. Rural Readiness Network aims to assist rural communities with applications for federal funds for infrastructure, jobs, and more.
Source: The 'Gander
Related funding: Michigan Rural Readiness Network