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Greetings all! There are a lot of things happening in Rural Development this month. To name just a few, we issued a call for ReConnect applications to fund high-speed internet projects. And, we awarded over $1 million in Emergency Heath Care grants to two communities to help expand health care options in Montana’s rural areas. These stories, as well as a video of how one company used ReConnect to bring high-speed internet to nearly 1,000 rural residents in Southwestern Montana, may be found below.
In addition, I’m excited to announce that we are hiring for three key positions:
Commercial Loan Specialist – This position is in our Business and Cooperative Services program. Located in our Kalispell office, the successful applicant will work across a broad portion of Montana to help our rural businesses and partners thrive. That job is posted to USAJobs and applications are due by Wednesday, September 7. Join us!
Public Affairs Specialist – Want to tell all the great stories of people, businesses, and communities our programs help? Do you excel at developing and implementing communication strategies spanning individual interviews and stories to nationally relevant agency news? Then apply to be the communications expert on the Montana RD team here in Bozeman! The application window is short – opening Tuesday, August 23, and closing Monday, August 29 – so be ready to apply!
Community Development Specialist – This team member will work in Bozeman or Helena and be focused on addressing barriers to broad availability of RD programs across the state, as well as help with strategic planning for increased effectiveness and reach as RD works to advance sustainable and thriving rural businesses and communities. This position has the same short application window as above – opening August 23, and closing August 29 – so get your application ready!
Keep reading for more information on all of these jobs, and watch for them on USAJobs, the online application platform.
Lastly, just a reminder that our Rural Energy for America program is open and we will be accepting applications until October 31. With the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, even more resources are heading toward this program so, if you are a small business or agricultural producer, take a look at ways the REAP program may help you make energy efficiency and cost-saving improvements.
As always, I invite you to stay connected, through our Twitter feed, to ensure you have the most up-to-date info about USDA RD Montana happenings.
Enjoy the beginning of Fall!
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USDA RD Montana is hiring a few in-person positions! Come work with a great team as you help make a difference for rural Montanans.
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Commercial Loan Specialist / Series 1165 / GS-9/11 with full promotion potential to GS-12
Duty Locations: 1 vacancy - Kalispell (this is NOT a remote position)
Open Date: Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Closing Date: Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Summary: The incumbent has responsibility for making and servicing loans and/or grants for rural facilities, utilities, and/or businesses. The incumbent will process small commercial and/or business loans and grants that are made or guaranteed by the government.
More Info: Contact Business & Cooperative Programs Director, Lad Barney, (406) 309-0667, with questions
Link to Apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/670213500
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Community Development Specialist / Series 0301 / GS-11/12 with full promotion potential to GS-13
Duty Locations: 1 vacancy - Bozeman or Helena (this will NOT be a remote position)
Open Date: Scheduled to open Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Closing Date: Scheduled to close Monday, August 29, 2022
Summary: The incumbent will participate in community and economic development planning with agencies, tribes, partners, and stakeholders by designing, convening, and conducting public involvement programs and meetings among key groups to gather information on community needs, stakeholder viewpoints and local community development activities and to provide information on RD programs. The incumbent will also promote the use of RD programs in rural places and communities to support access to improved housing, business opportunities, and public utility infrastructure, including telecommunications programs.
More Info: Contact Associate Director, Jake Ceartin, (406) 585-2555, with questions
Link to Apply: Coming soon to USAJobs
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Public Affairs Specialist / Series 1035 / GS-12
Duty Locations: 1 vacancy - Bozeman (this will NOT be a remote position)
Open Date: Scheduled to open Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Closing Date: Scheduled to close Monday, August 29, 2022
Summary: The purpose of this position is to administer a statewide public information program designed to maximize public exposure and affirm the mission and objectives of RD. The Public Affairs Specialist implements a comprehensive information program needed to address critical issues; explains RD policies, programs, and activities; informs customers with particular emphasis on socio economically disadvantaged and/or underrepresented populations; and establishes two-way communication with the public, news media and elected officials.
More Info: Contact Associate Director, Jake Ceartin, (406) 585-2555, with questions
Link to Apply: Coming soon to USAJobs
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An integral part of the oversight and review process of the 2018 Farm Bill and further preparation for the 2023 Farm Bill is getting direct input from producers, stakeholders, and consumers on how various farm bill programs are working for you.
Click on the link below to provide your feedback to the House Agricultural Committee for consideration.
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CLICK ON THE ABOVE PHOTO to see how Southern Montana Telephone Company, located in Wisdom, used a $3.3 million ReConnect grant to bring high-speed internet to nearly 1,000 customers, spread out over almost 2,000 miles, in Southwestern Montana!
The ReConnect Loan and Grant program will begin taking applications on September 6, 2022 for up to $150 million in loans, up to $300 million in loan/grant combinations, and up to $700 million in grants.
The application deadline is November 2.
USDA has made several improvements to the ReConnect Program for Round 4. Collectively, they increase the availability of funding in rural areas where residents and businesses lack access to affordable, high-speed internet. These include:
- Allowing applicants to serve areas where at least 50% of households lack sufficient access to high-speed internet.
- Adding a funding category for projects where 90% of households lack sufficient access to high-speed internet. For applications submitted under this category, no matching funds will be required.
- Waiving the matching funds requirement for: (a) Alaska Native Corporations, (b) Tribal Governments, (c) projects proposing to provide service in colonias, (d) projects proposing to serve persistent poverty counties and (e) projects proposing to provide service in socially vulnerable communities.
To be eligible for ReConnect Program funding, an applicant must serve an area where high-speed internet service is not available at speeds of 100 megabits per second (Mbps) (download) and 20 Mbps (upload). The applicant must also commit to building facilities capable of providing high-speed internet service at speeds of 100 Mbps (download and upload) to every location in its proposed service area.
For additional information, see page 47690 of the August 4 Federal Register.
A list of Montana's Round 3 ReConnect awards may be found here.
For more information about the ReConnect program, please contact Montana's General Field Representative, Peter Hawkes, at (208) 339-1104.
Additionally, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. ACP-eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
This Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices. The application period is open!
Our teams will be at a number of conferences in the coming months. Be sure to stop by, say hello, and see what USDA RD Montana can do for you!
Native American Coordinator Schedule
Our Native American Coordinator will be on location in multiple tribal areas in September to meet with tribal residents and discuss USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Housing programs, and other USDA RD initiatives which help rural communities prosper and drive economic growth.
Community members who are interested in finding out more about USDA Rural Development's Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans, Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants, and other USDA RD programs, are encouraged to meet with the USDA RD Native American Coordinator at the following times and locations:
- Sept. 7, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Blackfeet Reservation - Blackfeet Housing, 625 SW Boundary St., Browning, Mont. 59417
- Sept. 12, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Fort Peck Reservation - Fort Peck Housing Authority's Conference Room, 503 6th Ave. E., Poplar, Mont. 59255
- Sept. 13, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Housing Fair in Hays
- Sept. 14, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. // Sept. 15, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Rocky Boy's Reservation - Chippewa Cree Housing Authority's Conference Room, 75 Laredo Rd., Box Elder, Mont. 59521
Schedules are subject to change. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the USDA RD Native American Coordinator at (406) 812-0721 with questions.
Mutual Self-Help Housing Program Allows Montanans to Build Roots
USDA Rural Development is working with lenders and community partners to open the door to homeownership for rural Montanans through our single-family housing programs, which include:
For more information, visit the Single Family Housing program webpage or contact Katina Uecker at (406) 210-9728.
USDA also works to increase access to affordable multifamily rental housing opportunities in rural America. Nationwide, the Department is currently helping nearly 300,000 tenants afford to pay their rent through rental assistance. This assistance ensures low-income and elderly tenants pay no more than 30% of their income in rent.
For more information, visit Multifamily Housing Programs | Rural Development (usda.gov).
Kristen S., a single mom and resident of Red Lodge, Montana, decided to build her home through the Helena Area Habitat for Humanity self-help housing program. As part of a new initiative, Habitat for Humanity partnered with Red Lodge Area Community Foundation and Trust Montana to secure land trust property for this Single Family Housing project, which means these homes will remain affordable for current and future homeowners. CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE to watch her story.
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Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Funding Awarded
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USDA RD Montana awarded $1,079,000 in grants to improve health care facilities in rural Montana through the Emergency Rural Health Care Grant Program.
"Access to quality, affordable health care is critical for Montana families and communities," said Williams. "The Emergency Rural Healthcare Grant program is a great way USDA Rural Development can help a diversity of health care facilities respond to their communities' needs locally and effectively, and we are honored to be able to facilitate that."
In Montana, two organizations will benefit from these grants.
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Granite County Hospital District is receiving a $79,000 grant to purchase equipment that will help increase the organization’s capacity to distribute vaccines and further serve residents in Granite County. The investment will also provide information technology support and cover additional costs for nurses to travel and administer vaccines.
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Marias Healthcare Services, Inc. will use a $1,000,000 grant to help further renovate a former shopping building to expand the organization’s capacity to provide health care within Glacier, Liberty, Pondera, and Toole Counties. Earlier this year, USDA Rural Development provided a loan guarantee to purchase and make initial improvements to the building.
USDA will announce additional awardees for Emergency Rural Health Care Grants in the coming weeks and months.
To learn more about Community facility investment resources for Montana's rural areas, contact Montana's Community Programs Director, Steve Troendle, at (406) 585-2529.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
Application Period Open
USDA RD Montana is accepting applications for direct loans and grants through the Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program to develop essential community facilities in rural areas.
An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.
Eligible borrowers include public bodies, community-based non-profit corporations, and Federally-recognized Tribes in rural areas including cities, villages, townships and towns including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands with no more than 20,000 residents.
Funds can be used to purchase, construct, and / or improve essential community facilities, purchase equipment and pay related project expenses. Examples include:
- Health care facilities such as hospitals, medical clinics, dental clinics, nursing homes or assisted living facilities
- Public facilities such as town halls, courthouses, airport hangars or street improvements
- Community support services such as child care centers, community centers, fairgrounds or transitional housing
- Public safety services such as fire departments, police stations, prisons, police vehicles, fire trucks, public works vehicles or equipment
- Educational services such as museums, libraries or private schools
- Utility services such as telemedicine or distance learning equipment
- Local food systems such as community gardens, food pantries, community kitchens, food banks, food hubs or greenhouses
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Join Us for an Upcoming VAPG and REAP Workshop
Do you have questions about the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) and/or Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)?
Our Business and Cooperative Services team, in partnership with Bear Paw Development Corporation, will be offering a workshop in Havre on Thursday, Sept. 8. to help walk you through these applications and answer all of your concerns.
WHERE: Bear Paw Development Corporation - 300 2nd Ave., Havre, MT
WHEN: 9/8/2022 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (MDT)
REGISTER: Contact Lea McGiboney at (406) 770-4291 for sign-up details.
No virtual option will be available for this event.
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Growth Through Agriculture Webinars and Info
Interested in applying for the 2023 Growth Through Agriculture (mt.gov) (GTA) program?
Check out these upcoming webinars which will outline program changes and updates.
Pre-applications are due Monday, Sept. 12!
Local Farmer's Market Delivered to Your Doorstep
We love seeing our Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) awardees doing amazing things! Check out this subscription box, supporting Montana's ranchers and farmers & featuring several VAPG recipients! It’s a local farmers market, delivered to your doorstep.
 Hanson Trucking, a small enterprise located in Columbia Falls, Mont., is a family-owned trucking company which has been in business for over three decades. Hanson Trucking is dedicated to supporting Montana’s rural economy and providing local jobs within Flathead County. So, in 2014, when Hanson Trucking needed a surge of capital to offset operational expenses and keep their 40 employees and 32 trucks rolling, they took out a USDA Rural Development Business & Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee through Freedom Bank. In just 10 years, Hanson Trucking forecasts they will have their $1.7 million B&I loan repaid. CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE to see their story.
In our B&I loan program, USDA RD issues up to 80% loan guarantees to commercial banks which then relend the funds to businesses located in communities of 50,000 or less.
Eligible uses for B&I funds include (but are not limited to):
- Business conversion, enlargement, repair, modernization, or development.
- The purchase and development of land, buildings, and associated infrastructure for commercial or industrial properties.
- The purchase and installation of machinery and equipment, supplies or inventory.
- Debt refinancing when such refinancing improves cash flow and creates jobs.
- Business and industrial acquisitions when the loan will maintain business operations and create or save jobs.
Guaranteed loan funds may NOT be used for:
- Lines of credit.
- Owner-occupied and rental housing.
- Golf courses or golf course infrastructure.
- Racetracks or gambling facilities.
- Churches or church-controlled organizations.
- Fraternal organizations.
- Lending, investment, and insurance companies.
- Agricultural production, with certain exceptions (1).
- Distribution or payment to a beneficiary of the borrower or an individual or entity that will retain an ownership interest in the borrower.
Rural Development is invested in seeing worthwhile projects succeed and we encourage lenders to consider participating in the B&I program so rural businesses can focus on project development which will enable growth and prosperity in our rural communities.
Contact Business & Cooperative Programs Director, Lad Barney, (406) 309-0667, for more information.
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OUR TOWN
National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
NEA’s creative placemaking grant program offers project-based funding to support activities that integrate arts, culture and design into local efforts that strengthen communities. Application Deadline: 8/22/2022
Community Grant Program
Foundation for Rural Services
This funding supports business and community development, education and telecommunications to sustain and enhance the quality of life in rural America. Application Deadline: 8/31/2022
Multifamily Housing (MFH) Loan Guarantees
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development Loan guarantees for qualified private-sector lenders to provide financing to qualified borrowers with the intent of increasing the supply of affordable rental housing for low to moderate income individuals and families in eligible rural areas and towns. Application Deadline: Open
USDA Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program
U.S. Department of Agriculture
USDA Rural Development program to support new investments in infrastructure for food aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation, wholesaling, and distribution to increase capacity and create a more resilient, diverse, and secure U.S. food supply chain. Application Deadline: Open
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
HUD loan program that provides Community Development Block Grant recipients with the ability to leverage their annual grant allocation to access low-cost, flexible financing for economic development, housing, and infrastructure projects. Application Deadline: Ongoing
Affordable Housing Loans for Low-Income Rural Communities
Housing Assistance Council (HAC)
HAC offers short-term loans at below market interest rates to local nonprofits, for-profits and government entities that are working to develop affordable housing for low-income, rural communities. Application Deadline: Open
U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program
U.S. Department of Energy
Program to reduce energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety. Application Deadline: Open
Capital Projects Fund
U.S. Department of Treasury
This fund offers payments to eligible governments to carry out critical capital projects that directly enable work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in response to the public health emergency. Application Deadline: Various
Virtual Living Room
The Foundation for Rural Service
This grant combines rural technology, VA resources and local support to improve healthcare access for veterans in rural areas. Application Deadline: Ongoing
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Opportunities for Tribal Communities
USDA has launched several new initiatives that expand USDA’s commitment to serving Indian Country through equitable policies and programs. Demonstration projects at USDA’s Forest Service and Food and Nutrition Service are enabling greater tribal self-governance and decision making on USDA nutrition and forest management programs. The USDA Indigenous Food Sovereignty Initiative promotes traditional food ways, Indian Country food and agriculture markets, and Indigenous health through foods tailored to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) dietary needs. A new online Tribal Treaty Database will help federal agencies implement treaty obligations. Learn more at www.usda.gov/tribalrelations.
Training and Technical Assistance for Rural, Small and Tribal Municipalities and Wastewater Treatment Systems for Clean Water Act Prevention, Reduction, and Elimination of Pollution
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA funding to provide training and technical assistance to rural, small, and tribal municipalities, publicly owned wastewater treatment works, and decentralized wastewater treatment systems for the prevention, reduction, and elimination of pollution. Application Deadline: 8/22/2022
Thriving Women Program
Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples
Grants to support grassroots projects that empower indigenous women-led work to prevent violence against women and girls and nurture healthy and thriving native peoples and families. Application Deadline: 9/7/2022
Tribal Transportation Program Safety Funds
Federal Highway Administration
Office of Federal Lands Highway funding for tribal governments for the purposes of transportation projects related to safety, safety planning and safety/infrastructure. Application Deadline: 9/15/2022
Free Financial Coaching Available to Tribal Citizens
Oklahoma Native Assets Coalition, Inc.
This confidential financial coaching is available to any American Indian or Alaska Native in the United States, regardless of where they reside. Availability: Ongoing
Broadband and Telecommunication Opportunities
Telecommunications Programs
USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is committed to ensuring that rural areas have access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services. General Field Representatives (GFRs) serve as the local information conduit for the borrowers and headquarters staff. RUS programs include:
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ReConnect Loan and Grant Program: Funds for construction, improvement or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service in eligible rural areas. Opens 9/6. Application Deadline: 10/2/2022
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Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees: Financing for the construction, maintenance, improvement and expansion of telephone service and broadband in rural areas. Application Deadline: Open
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Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grants: Helps rural communities use the unique capabilities of telecommunications to connect to each other and to the world, overcoming the effects of remoteness and low population density. Application Window: Closed/Projected Winter Opening. Prepare early!
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Community Connect Grants: Provides, on a “community-oriented connectivity” basis, broadband service that fosters economic growth and delivers enhanced educational, health care and public safety benefits. Application Window: Closed/Projected Spring Opening. Prepare early!
Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) program to expand middle mile broadband infrastructure and reduce the cost of connecting unserved and underserved areas. Application Deadline: 9/30/2022
Digital Equity Act Programs
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) offers programs that promote digital inclusion and advance equity for all to ensure all communities have affordable access and can use the internet to improve their lives. Application Deadlines: Various. Plan now!
Affordable Connectivity Program
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
This FCC program helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices. Application Deadline: Open
MORE FUNDING OPPORTUNTIES, INCLUDING THOSE FOR TRIBAL COMMUNITIES, CAN BE FOUND IN THE USDA RD "INNOVATION MATTERS" NEWSLETTER.
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We have several Resource Guides available which outline USDA RD programs that can help Montana's rural residents, businesses and communities!
- *NEW* USDA Resource Guide for American Indians & Alaska Natives 2022: PDF
- *NEW* USDA Native Youth Resource Guide 2022: PDF
- EDA Joint Planning Resource Guide: PDF
- High-speed Internet Resources for Rural America: PDF
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COVID19 Federal Rural Resource Guide: PDF
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Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Guide:PDF
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Guía de recursos conjuntos: PDF
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Joint Childcare Resource Guide: PDF
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Recreational Economy: PDF
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Recursos de resistencia y recuperación en caso de desastres: PDF
- Resources for Rural Entrepreneurs: PDF
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Rural Workforce Guide: PDF
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Tribal Report - 2019: PDF
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