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MONTANA RURAL EXPLORER

MARCH 2024 (Volume 2, Edition 3)

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 and let us know how we can serve you better.

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

FROM KATHLEEN

This month we hope for more snow, anticipate the coming of spring, and celebrate the importance of water – especially on March 22 – World Water Day. Our USDA Rural Development in Montana Community Programs team stands ready to assist communities in rural and Tribal areas with their water supply and treatment needs. We have grants and loans for technical assistance, planning, and/or construction of water and wastewater facilities that will ensure safe, reliable, clean water is available to Big Sky Country.

In March we also have several deadlines approaching for rural small businesses, agricultural producers, and lenders to add value to their products, reduce costs by installing renewable energy or energy efficient systems, or become intermediaries to invest in rural businesses. Be sure to check in with our staff to see which programs are the “right fit” when it comes to investing in rural and Tribal communities across the state.

Also, just announced, USDA is seeking applications for its Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant program. These grants fund distance learning and telemedicine services so remote rural and Tribal communities can access education, training and health care resources that are otherwise limited or unavailable. Ask us how we can connect your town!

Finally, in our “News” section below, you can read about how a USDA Single Family Housing Rural Disaster Repair Grant helped one Montana family repair their home after the flooding in 2022. We still have funding available related to this disaster, so please reach out to us, we are here to help.

These items and much more are in our March edition of the Montana Rural Explorer.

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.

USDA RD FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program

USDA is making approximately $60 million in funding available under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program. This program funds distance learning and telemedicine services, like audio and video equipment, to digitally connect people to education, training and health care resources that are limited or unavailable in remote parts of the country. Applications due 4/29/2024. For more information contact peter.hawkes@usda.gov. 

Rural Utilities Service ReConnect for Fiscal Year 2024

The Rural Utilities Service (RUS), a Rural Development agency of USDA, announces acceptance of applications under the Rural eConnectivity (ReConnect) program for Fiscal Year 2024. These loan and grant funds will be awarded to qualified applicants to fund the costs of construction, improvement, or acquisition of facilities and equipment needed to provide broadband service. Application window opens 3/22/2024 and applications are due by 4/22/2024. For more information contact peter.hawkes@usda.gov. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

Rural Energy for America Program Technical Assistance Grants (REAP TA)

USDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program Technical Assistance Grant Program is for applicants interested in providing assistance to agricultural producers and rural small businesses seeking to apply for a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant. Applications for REAP TA due 3/15/2024. For more information or to apply contact daniel.layton@usda.gov. 

Value-Added Producer Grant Program (VAPG)

Funding that helps farmers and ranchers generate new products, create marketing opportunities, and increase income through value-added activities. Eligible applicants include independent producers, agricultural producer groups, farmer or rancher cooperatives, and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. For more information contact marlee.johnston@usda.gov.  

APPLICATION DEADLINES

Electronic applications via Grants.gov: by 9:59 p.m. (MT), 4/11/2024.

Paper applications via mail or email: Postmarked by 4:30 p.m. (MT), 4/16/2024.

Paper applications delivered to a Montana RD State office: 4:30 p.m. (MT), 4/16/2024.

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. 

Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program

To celebrate water in March, USDA Rural Development offers this funding program for eligible rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or Tribal lands in rural areas to construct clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses.

READ BELOW how a combined Water and Waste Disposal Grant and Loan helped Wilsall, Montana build a new water treatment plant. 

Did you also know that USDA's Water and Waste Disposal Program also provides financing for SOLID WASTE PROJECTS? 

Program Overview

• Financing is available to rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less. Funds may be used to finance only that portion of the facility serving rural areas, regardless of facility location.
• Local public bodies, nonprofit corporations and Federally recognized tribes may apply.
• Applications are accepted on a continuous basis and can be submitted online in RD Apply.

Highlights

•  Fixed interest rates between 2.25% - 3.75%, based on service area median household income and if the project alleviates a documented health or sanitary problem. Rates change quarterly.
• Up to 40-year payback period, based on the useful life of the facilities financed.
• Comprehensive funding allows for construction, engineering fees, land, legal fees, and environmental costs to be included.

Applications are accepted year-round.

For more information call us at (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 - Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization

Join us as for our virtual webinar as we provide an overview of our newly unveiled Getting Started Guide. This step-by-step guide is intended to help communities and workers start the process of planning or responding to economic changes resulting from an energy transition or major economic shift. 

WHEN: 3/6/2024 at 11:00 a.m. (MST)

TRIBAL-SPECIFIC INFORMATION

HUD - Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) Competitive Grant Program

This program provides grants to eligible Indian tribes and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) to carry out a range of affordable housing activities. Grant funds may be used to develop, maintain, and operate affordable housing in safe and healthy environments on Indian reservations and in other Indian areas and carry out other affordable housing activities. Grant funds must be used to primarily benefit low-income Indian families. Applications due 3/19/2024. 

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

Bringing Safe, Reliable Water to Wilsall In the shadow of central Montana’s Crazy Mountains sits Wilsall, a picturesque community of 200 rural residents who – with a little help from USDA Rural Development – now have a safe, reliable water supply. READ STORY HERE.

Disaster Grant Helps Montana Homeowners Recover from Historic Flood In May 2022, Tim and CJ Wyman thought all might be lost when the Yellowstone River crested its banks, flooding their modest Fromberg neighborhood. Learn how a Rural Disaster Repair Grant helped them recover and repair their home. READ STORY HERE.

Family Roots Run Deep Growing Aquaponic Produce in Montana Swanky Roots is a year-round aquaponics greenhouse specializing in organically grown mixed lettuce, produce, vegetables, and herbs which they sell to consumers, local restaurants, and retailers in southeastern Montana. READ STORY HERE.

Todd Family Meats Raised with Love from Montana Heidi and Gary are proud of their first- generation, calving to processing ranch operation that produces pasture raised, grass fed, grain finished beef and lamb products. Learn how a Value-Added Producer Grant helped their business grow READ STORY HERE.

Lifelong Love of Animals Blossoms into Successful Small Business Little did lifelong animal lover Stephanie Smotherman know her affinity for critters would lead to a barnyard full of animals and a thriving small business in the rural eastern community of Jordan. READ STORY HERE.

USDA / DOE Launch Initiative to Help Farmers Reduce Costs with Underused Renewable Technologies

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) launched a new initiative to help farmers cut costs and increase income employing underused renewable technologies including smaller-scale wind projects. Through the Rural and Agricultural Income & Savings from Renewable Energy (RAISE) initiative, USDA is setting al goal of helping 400 individual farmers deploy smaller-scale wind projects using USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). READ FULL STORY. 

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 March

Mar. 20 - Montana Rural Water Conference (Great Falls)

WAIT, THERE'S MORE.....

Montana Department of Agriculture (MDA) - Growth Through Agriculture Business Acceleration and Marketing Program

Now accepting requests for funding applications. Montanans interested in expanding or developing new marketing for agricultural businesses may apply for funds through this state grant program. MDA will accept applications until funds are exhausted and will review applications quarterly, starting in April. 

Those needing application assistance in applying for funding are encouraged to contact a local Food and Agricultural Development Center (FADC). 

FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan Program

The Farm Storage Facility Loan Program (FSFL) provides low-interest financing so producers can build or upgrade facilities to store commodities. FSFL is an excellent financing program for on-farm storage and handling for small and mid-sized farms, and for new farmers. Loan terms vary from 3 to 12 years. The maximum loan amount for storage facilities is $500,000. 

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Distressed Cities and Persistent Poverty Technical Assistance Grant Program

HUD accepts applications from local governments seeking technical assistance to build capacity that addresses economic distress and alleviate persistent poverty. Assistance is available directly to local governments and their nonprofit partners in specific areas (census tracts) that serve communities with populations of less than 50,000 residents. Rolling deadline. Apply now. For questions and more information email distressedcities@hud.gov. 

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. 

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

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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.