The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded $3.55 million to nine Nebraska projects aimed at improving educational and business opportunities for rural businesses and Native American tribes.
“Rural Development is excited to partner with these community institutions of education and entrepreneurship,” said Cindy Axne, USDA Rural Development senior advisor. “When we invest in our rural community partners, we strengthen Nebraska and expand opportunities for all the people in the state.”
The funded projects include:
- A $199,368 grant to expand the Makerspace Project in Thurston and Knox counties, providing technical assistance to small business owners.
- A $900,000 grant to construct a business incubator wing at Nebraska Indian Community College in Macy.
- A $278,216 grant to complete a community facility on the Santee Campus of the Nebraska Indian Community College.
- A $175,000 grant to the Nebraska Enterprise Fund of Omaha for technical assistance to cooperative development groups.
- A $174,646 grant to the Center for Rural Affairs for technical assistance in persistent poverty communities in Nebraska and Iowa.
- A $278,216 grant for a Career and Technical Education (CTE) building on the Winnebago Reservation for carpentry and construction programs.
- A $259,150 grant to purchase food processing equipment for Nebraska Indian Community College in Macy.
- A $300,000 grant for the rehabilitation of the Susan LaFlesche Picotte Center in Walthill.
- A $1 million grant to build a youth center for the Santee Sioux Nation.
The funding is provided through several Rural Development programs, including Rural Business Development Grants and Tribal College Initiative Grants, aimed at promoting economic development and improving quality of life in rural and tribal communities.
