The USDA announced $2 billion across 99 economic development projects in Rural Partners Network (RPN) communities–funding that will create jobs and build infrastructure as well as increase access to quality health care, affordable housing, and clean water and energy. (This announcement is part of over $5 billion to support rural communities in Rural America.)
Source: USDA Rural Partners Network
Article By: Levi Gwaltney, Editor lascrucesdigest.com
Photo: Courtesy Rural Partners Network (Caption: In Southern New Mexico the Doña Ana Community Network Rural Partners Network (RPN) collaborated with Borderland Family Ties Organization to host its first virtual Watch Party to view the 2023 Rural LISC seminar in Coachella, California held on December 11, 2023. )
Of the projects listed, the following three were specifically targeted to our broader community. US Representative Gabriel Vasquez of New Mexico’s 2nd Congressional District was credited with participation in securing these grants for our broader community.
“From enhancing infrastructure in Doña Ana [County] to supporting rural businesses and agricultural producers statewide, I’m proud to have secured significant federal grants for our state. These investments will boost innovation in New Mexico, grow our economy and ensure cleaner, safer communities for our families.”
Congressman Gabriel Vasquez in response to request for comment.
The grants coming to our broader community comprise three projects, but this is not the end of grant money available. Included in the projects listed (below) is the implication that selected organizations will use this funding to help others apply for more USDA REAP grants, FOR WHICH APPLICATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED. [Visit the REAP website for information about who can apply, and when.]
The grants listed in the Rural Partners Network release are:
$500,000 for 306C Water and Waste Grants–Colonias awarded to Doña Ana Mutual Domestic Water Consumers. This Rural Development investment will be used to supplement the original project funding of over $10 million in loans and grants awarded in 2019 to expand the Doña Ana Domestic Water Consumers Association wastewater collection system.
$300,000 for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance Grants awarded to the Regents of NMSU. This Rural Development investment will be used throughout the state of New Mexico to provide technical assistance to 18 rural small businesses and agricultural producers.
$199,958 for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance Grants awarded to Sustainable Engineering LLC. This Rural Development investment will be used throughout the state of New Mexico to provide technical assistance for 10 to 18 rural small businesses and agricultural producers applying to the Renewable Energy for America Program.
What is the Rural Partners Network?
According to their website (rd.usda.gov): “Through the Rural Partners Network (RPN), the Biden-Harris Administration is taking action to transform the way the federal government partners with rural communities to spur inclusive, sustainable economic growth. The RPN creates an alliance of federal agencies and civic partners working to expand rural prosperity through job creation, infrastructure development, and community improvement.”
One example of this was the December 2023 “Watch Party” held in Doña Ana County (photo, above):
In Southern New Mexico the Doña Ana Community Network Rural Partners Network (RPN) collaborated with Borderland Family Ties Organization to host its first virtual Watch Party to view the 2023 Rural LISC seminar in Coachella, California held on December 11, 2023.
Source: rural.gov
Borderland Family Ties is a combined for-profit and non-profit agency whose mission is to strengthen families, empower parents, support schools, and strengthen communities through social, workforce, community, and economic development. Through this collaboration RPN Doña Ana Community Network, has begun conversations on opportunities for the expansion of Borderland Family Ties Organization that includes the purchase of a larger facility with additional growth potential to include a commercial kitchen, community garden, and a food pantry. RPN Community Liaison, Patsy Villalobos, is working to aid in identifying funding and technical assistance though USDA Rural Developments Community Facilities Program and Rural LISC’s Creative Capital opportunities.
The Watch Party brought opportunity for networking, with many of the guests that attended being part of Promotora Organizations. Promotoras are community advocates that are trusted individuals that empower their peers through education and connecting communities to health and outreach services. The different Promotora Organizations had the opportunity to introduce themselves and provided information on each of their resources and services that they provide to the colonia communities of Doña Ana County. In celebration of the Hispanic culture in the community, we all enjoyed delicious Mexican food such as red and green enchiladas (Christmas, as Southern New Mexicans call it for red & green chile sauces) chicken flautas, rice and beans.
As a result of this event Borderland Family Ties has been an active organization within the Doña Ana Community Network mission and initiatives. RPN is committed to supporting a successful partnership with Borderland Family Ties on other additional planned projects!
Upcoming deadlines for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans & Grants:
- March 31, 2024
- June 30, 2024
- September 30, 2024
Visit the REAP website to learn how and when to apply.
