Bill > HR6041

This bill establishes two new grant programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture to support rural community development and economic prosperity. The first program, Rural Partnership Program Grants, will provide multiyear grants (between 2-5 years) to partnerships in rural areas composed of various entities like local governments, nonprofits, cooperatives, and higher education institutions. These grants can be used for activities such as coordinating federal investments, leveraging resources, completing planning activities, creating public-private partnerships, supporting regional projects, and addressing economic recovery from disasters. Grant allocation will be based on a formula that considers nonmetropolitan poverty and population levels, with at least 5% of funds reserved for Indian Tribes. Applicants must provide matching funds (at least 25%), though waivers are possible for areas with higher poverty levels. The second program, Rural Partnership Technical Assistance Grants, will provide competitive grants to qualified nonprofit organizations to help rural communities with grant management, housing and economic development projects, and federal grant application preparation. These grants will also require matching funds (30%) and prioritize serving high-poverty areas and Indian Tribes. Additionally, the bill modifies the existing Rural Partners Network to improve federal assistance coordination and reduce administrative burdens for rural communities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6041/all-info