Funding to Help Three Pueblos with Economic Development Efforts

(December 19, 2012 Albuquerque, NM) USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Brunner was in Santa Fe this morning to help celebrate the funding being made to the Northern Pueblo Housing Authority (NPHA).  NPHA will use the funding to help develop better economic development efforts at the three northern New Mexico Pueblos of Picuris, San Ildefonso and Tesuque.

During the presentation ceremony Brunner told the NPHA board of directors, “this funding is necessary to implement plans and projects that will promote economic growth Brunner added, “Ultimately this investment we are making will create long lasting capacity for job creation and business opportunities at the Pueblos of Picuris, San Ildefonso and Tesuque.”

NPHA will be receiving a $144,748 grant through USDA Rural Development's Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) program.  The program provides technical assistance and training funds to qualified intermediary organizations to develop their capacity to create more housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $176 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

For additional information on RD projects, please visit Rural Development's new interactive web map featuring program funding and success stories for fiscal years 2009-2012. The data can be found at: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/RDSuccessStories.html.