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Rural Development Policy and Programs

Rural development policy is the set of federal and state programs that help rural communities build housing, businesses, utilities, and public services. This topic covers grants, loans, and technical help for small towns and counties. The Department of Agriculture's rural development agencies lead much of it, and the Economic Development Administration and other agencies also take part.

People usually ask what funding is available for a rural community, who can apply, and how agencies such as the Economic Development Administration differ from those in the Department of Agriculture. Questions also cover how local leaders plan projects and combine funding sources.

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September 28last updated

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All Articles on Rural Development Policy and Programs

Getting EDA Funding for Your Community

Hidden in a corner of the Commerce Department sits an agency that most Americans have never heard of but that quietly shapes economic opportunity…

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The Economic Development Administration: Fostering Growth in U.S. Communities

The Economic Development Administration is a bureau within the U.S. Department of Commerce, but it holds a unique position in the federal government. It's…

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What the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Does

The USDA touches the lives of Americans every day – from the food we eat and the safety of our meat, to support for farmers and rural communities.

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