Easier Access to USDA Grants for Small Rural Communities with Federal Land.
This law simplifies the process for small, rural counties—where the federal government owns most of the land—to secure federal grants for local development. It cuts the required local matching funds by half and streamlines the application process, helping finance essential projects like broadband and community facilities. The goal is to support economic and infrastructural growth in isolated regions.
Key points
The required local matching funds for federal rural development grants (e.g., for internet, hospitals, business) are reduced by 50% for eligible small counties where over half the land is federally owned.
Local and Tribal governments in these counties receive priority if they have not received support from the specific grant program in the last 10 years.
The USDA must provide extra application assistance and can offer flexibility regarding complex requirements that disadvantage small, isolated communities.
Expired
Citizen Poll