RALEIGH, N.C. - “The COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives and livelihoods of millions of rural American  people,” Torres Small said. “In the face of this challenge, I am proud of what USDA has  accomplished under this Administration’s leadership to minimize damage and be there for rural  America as we all Build Back Better and stronger.” 

USDA Rural Development North Carolina has taken several steps to help improve rural  economies and to support the businesses, workers, residents and communities that rely on them.  

“In North Carolina Rural Development is helping rural businesses reach a global marketplace  through investments that will increase access to high-speed broadband in rural communities,”  said Rural Development State Director Reginald Speight. “Rural Development is committed to  assure every home has access to affordable and reliable high-speed internet.”  

In the Tar Heel State Rural Development significantly expanded investments in rural broadband  during the Biden-Harris administration’s first 12 months. The Department invested $5.2 million  to finance broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved rural areas during Fiscal Year  2021.  

• Atlantic Telephone Membership Corporation is using a $2.9 million Community Connect grant to construct an approximately 60 mile Fiber-to-the Premises system. This system  expands access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities for  2.5 thousand residents and 19 businesses in the communities of Robeson County. Funds  also will help refurbish a community center where residents can access the free high speed internet for up to two years. 

• Star Telephone Membership Corporation is using a $2.3 million Community Connect grant to construct an approximately 120 mile Fiber-to-the Premises system. This system 

expands access to economic, educational, health care and public safety opportunities for  1.8 thousand residents and 15 businesses in Sampson County. Funds also will help  refurbish a disused elementery school that will be used as a community center where  residents can access the free high-speed internet for up to two years. 

In December, USDA launched a program to make more than $1 billion in loan guarantees  available to help businesses in the food supply chain process their products and get them to  market. The new Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program will help meat and poultry  processors and other food businesses that are active in the middle of the food supply chain:  manufacturing, storage, transportation and distribution.  

Also last month, USDA Rural Development announced new investments to increase significantly  the sales and use of higher blends of bioethanol and biodiesel through expansion of the  infrastructure for renewable fuels derived from U.S. agricultural products. USDA plans to  announce the application window for $100 million in grants in the coming months. 

In addition, USDA has made $700 million available through the Biofuel Producer Program to  provide direct payments to producers who experienced market losses due to the COVID-19  pandemic. The deadline to apply for this assistance is Feb. 11, 2022.  

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris  administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more  resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to  safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of  income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making  historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and  committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a  workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov. 

Under the Biden-Harris administration, 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.  

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