USDA Announces $800 Million Investment on Earth Day
In honor of Earth Day, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA is investing nearly $800 million in climate-smart infrastructure in 20 states and Puerto Rico.
These investments are designed to strengthen the health and livelihoods of people across rural America.
They include funding for 165 projects for expanding access to safe water and clean energy for people living in disadvantaged communities.
“People in rural America are experiencing the increasing impacts of climate change in many ways,” says Vilsack.
“This includes more severe droughts, more frequent wildfires, and more destructive and life-threatening storms.”
He also says investing in infrastructure in rural communities is investing in the planet and the peace of mind that children will drink clean and safe water in their homes.
The agency will take steps to improve clean energy infrastructure, energy-efficiency improvements, improve infrastructure in communities hit by severe weather, and advance equity in rural communities.
(Story Courtesy of the NAFB News Service)
