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MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER

JANUARY 2024 (Volume 2, Edition 1)

Welcome to the MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER, USDA Rural Development in Montana's monthly newsletter with information about our business, community facilities, energy, electric, housing, telecommunication, and water and environmental programs. Thanks for checking us out. Let us know how we can serve you better. Please send feedback to mark.mccann@usda.gov.

From Kathleen RD Funding Opportunities Webinars and Workshops Tribal Information Montana RD News Outreach Wait, There's More.....

FROM KATHLEEN

As the calendar rolls over into another new year, our team at USDA Rural Development in Montana are rested and ready to connect with our rural and Tribal neighbors and help you navigate the broad landscape of our programs to find the best fit for your small businesses, community, or family.

This month’s newsletter has several updates on new and existing programs that help rural communities access critical services like high-speed internet, help rural small businesses expand and become more energy efficient, and help homeowners recover from recent natural disasters. Please be sure to check out the application deadlines, as some are approaching quickly.

Do you have questions or need assistance navigating application processes for our programs? No problem! We have workshops highlighted in this edition designed to help with that.

Our Tribal information section includes an update for how our Rural Business Development Grant program is expanding eligibility to support job creation and economic growth in Tribal communities and information on how the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program supports bringing high-speed internet to Tribal lands.

This information and so much more is in this packed January edition of Montana Rural Explorer. We hope you’ll check it out.

On behalf of our Montana RD team, thank you for the opportunity to serve you!

USDA Rural Development is an investor, ally, and advocate for rural America.

RD FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Rural Utilities - Community Connect Program Correction Notice

On December 19, 2023, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) published a correction notice that makes important changes to the FY23 Community Connect Program funding notice. NEW application deadline is 2/20/2024. For more information on additional changes, click on the FEDERAL REGISTER LINK HERE or contact MT/ID RUS Telecom General Field Representative at peter.hawkes@usda.gov. 

Business - Rural Business Development Grant Program (RBDG)

Grant funding to promote economic development and job creation projects through funding of eligible entities. Applicants compete in two separate categories, business opportunity grants and business enterprise grants, for use in funding business and community projects that serve rural areas. Applications due 2/28/2024. For more information contact or to apply lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Business - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) 

Guaranteed loan and grant funding for agricultural producers and rural small businesses to install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency upgrades. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficiency equipment and new system loans to support agricultural production and processing. Applications due 3/31/2024, 6/30/2024, and 9/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact kathy.archer@usda.gov. 

Business - Intermediary Relending Program (IRP)

Low-interest loans available to local lenders known as intermediaries, who then re-lend the funds to businesses to improve economic conditions and create new opportunities in rural communities. Applications due 3/31/2024 and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Business - Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program (RMAP)

Funding for non-profits, Tribes, colleges, and universities to create revolving loan fund programs and support training and technical assistance for rural microentrepreneurs and microenterprises. Applications due 3/31/2024 and 6/30/2024. For more information or to apply contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Business - Rural Economic Development Loan / Grant Program (REDL/G)

Zero-interest loans to local utilities to pass through to local businesses for projects that will create and retain employment in rural areas. These programs also provide grants to local utility organizations which use the funding to establish revolving loan funds to finance community facilities. Applications due 4:30 p.m. (MT) on 3/31/2024 and 6/30/2024. For more information or to submit an application contact lad.barney@usda.gov. 

Single Family Housing - Disaster Relief for Montana Homeowners

Grant funding is available through TWO USDA RD programs to help low-income homeowners in presidentially declared disaster areas and on Tribal lands repair damage caused by flooding and other natural disasters. For more information or to apply contact katina.uecker@usda.gov.  

Community Facilities - Disaster Relief Available for Montana Communities

Grant funding is available through TWO USDA RD programs to repair essential community facilities and water infrastructure damaged by flooding in 2022. Eligible areas include Carbon, Flathead, Park, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure and Yellowstone Counties. For information or to apply call (406) 585-2520. 

MORE USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

USDA Rural Development (RD) has more than 70 financial assistance programs for a variety of rural and Tribal applicants. Learn more about how RD grants, loans and loan guarantees can assist with your business, community facility, electric, energy, housing, telecommunication, or water and wastewater project needs. 

WATCH HERE to learn more about how RD programs connect with rural and Tribal businesses, families, and communities. 

WEBINARS and WORKSHOPS

WEBINAR - USDA Combination Construction-to-Permanent Single Close Financing Program

Join USDA Rural Development for a FREE live, virtual training event to learn how you can partner with us to offer a low-risk financing option with the Combination Construction-to-Permanent (aka Single Close) loan.

DATE and TIME: 1/10/2024, noon to 1:00 p.m. (Mountain Time)

REGISTER FOR THE LIVE EVENT. 

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Technical Assistance Workshop

Together with USDA RD in Montana, the Prospera Food and Ag Development Center will host a FREE, in-person information session to help businesses navigate the application process for the USDA Rural Development's Rural Energy for American Program.  

• DATE / TIME: 1/19/2024, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
• LOCATION: Park Co. Extension Office, 119 S. 3rd St., Livingston, MT

REGISTER AT: https://mtsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/5712 

Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program Application Workshop

This program provides technical assistance and training grants for small rural businesses to benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more. The Fiscal Year 2024 application window is now open. Applications are due 2/28/2024. 

This recorded workshop provides helpful information on how to navigate the Rural Business Development Grant application process. Join the WORKSHOP HERE.  

SAVE THE DATE - ReConnect Round 5 Application Workshop

WHO: USDA Rural Development Rural Utilities Service (RUS)

WHAT: Three-Day, In-person Workshop

WHEN: February 27-29, 2024

WHERE: The Row, 407, N. Virginia St., Reno NV

WHY: To provide information and assistance to those interested in applying for ReConnect Program grant funding. This program provides loans, grants, and loan/grant combinations for broadband deployment in rural and Tribal communities that do not have sufficient access to this critical service. 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION TO FOLLOW

TRIBAL INFORMATION

Rural Business Development Grant Program Expands Eligibility for Tribal Communities

USDA is expanding eligibility for Tribes under the Rural Business Development Grants program. This program supports job creation, economic growth, and enterprise projects in rural and Tribal communities. The new and expanded eligibility definitions enable more Tribal government-owned entities to qualify for funding. Changes take effect on 1/16/2024. More information is available on page 86566 of the Federal Register or by going to the Federal Register link at 2023-27504.pdf (govinfo.gov). 

Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program (TBCP)

This $3 billion grant program supports Tribal governments bringing high-speed Internet to Tribal lands, including telehealth, distance learning, affordability, and digital inclusion initiatives. Applications due 1/23/2024. Learn more about the program or apply by clicking on the link HERE.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - Tribes and Territories Only Competition

This Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) general competition provides $5 billion in grants to Tribes and territories to develop and implement ambitious plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollution. For the Tribes and territories competition, EPA anticipates awarding individual grants ranging between $1 million to $25 million. Applications due 5/1/2024. Submit applications directly to the EPA through Grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Native American Direct Loan (NADL)

Department of Veterans Affairs program makes home loans available to eligible Native American Veterans who wish to purchase, construct, or improve a home on Federal Trust land or to reduce the interest rate. Applications due: Open deadline. 

Inflation Reduction Act Tribal Guidebook

This guidebook provides an overview of the clean energy, climate mitigation and resilience, agriculture, and conservation-related funding programs in the Inflation Reduction Act for which Tribes are eligible. Read more about Tribal programs available through the Inflation Reduction Act by clicking on the link HERE. 

MONTANA RD NEWS

USDA Awards Grant to Montana Tribes to Help Strengthen Food Sovereignty

Bozeman, Mont., Dec. 7, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Williams announced that the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana became one of the first nationwide to receive a $191,000 grant through the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program. READ MORE HERE. 

USDA Invests $8.2 Million to Create Economic and Educational Opportunities in Underserved Rural and Tribal Montana Communities

Bozeman, Mont., Dec. 12, 2023 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Montana State Director Kathleen Williams today announced more than $8.2 million in grant awards to nine underserved and Tribal communities in Montana. These awards are designed to help improve infrastructure, housing, and educational opportunities. READ MORE HERE. 

OUTREACH

Our team travels throughout Montana to help businesses, communities, and homeowners learn more about funding opportunities available through USDA Rural Development. We hope to see you on the road!

Montana RD Coming to an Event Near You in January

1/10/2024 - Broadband Montana 2024 Showcase (Billings)

1/23/2024 - Montana Ag and Tech Innovation & Investment Summit (Great Falls)

1/27/2024 - Next Generation and FSA Training Conference (Shelby)

1/30/2024 - Montana Council of Cooperatives (Great Falls)

WAIT, THERE'S MORE.....

History of Rural Development

USDA Rural Development has a rich history of transforming rural and Tribal communities. Rural America is hometown America – more than a great place to live, its people make up America’s spirit and character. To learn how RD has shaped this vital part of our national identity WATCH THE VIDEO. 

Montana Soil Health Symposium Join the NRCS Montana team and several other exhibitors and presenters at the annual Montana Soil Health Symposium, Feb. 7-8, 2024, in Billings. For more information contact madi@macdnet.org.

System for Award Management (SAM)

A SAM registration is required for to bid on and get paid for federal contracts or to receive federal funds. These include for-profit businesses, non-profits, government contractors, government subcontractors, state governments, and local municipalities. The SAM registration is valid for one year from the date the registration is complete and must be renewed before 60 days of expiration to avoid potential penalties. To register for or renew your SAM account, go to SAM.gov | Home.

Interagency Working Group (IAW) on Coal and Power Plant Communities

The IAW was created to ensure federal government agencies come together to help drive funding from both the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and deliver those resources to help revitalize America's energy communities. 

AVAILABLE RESOURCES

Navigator Service helps communities through the complex grants process and provides real-time assistance with resources for grant assistance, infrastructure and workforce development. 

"Getting Started Guide" helps coal and oil-and-gas communities start the planning process or respond to economic and social changes resulting from energy transition and other economic shifts.  

For more information about Montana RD, follow us on Twitter @Montana_RD or

Visit our WEBSITE by clicking the button below.

USDA Rural Development in Montana has offices in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula. Contact us today to learn more about funding opportunities for businesses, communities and homeowners in rural and Tribal areas. 

Websites and hyperlinks - For ease of reference, this publication provides links to relevant, useful information hosted outside the USDA domain. Endorsement of non-USDA programs is neither intended nor implied.