rural infrastructure

The multi-trillion dollar infrastructure bill being discussed in D.C. could impact the Ag labor debate, but perhaps not the way many in farm country expected. According to Representative Dan Newhouse, Chair of Western Caucus the reconciliation package includes language providing legal status for young people known as “Dreamers”, temporary protected status, as well as farm workers. Newhouse ...

Last week, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $464 million in renewable energy grants for producers, rural communities, and businesses in 48 states and Puerto Rico. Vilsack said close to $129 million dollars in grants and loans will go for renewable and energy efficiency projects on the farm through the Rural Energy for America Program, or REAP ...

The Columbia Basin Development League, along with the Washington Congressional Delegation, continue to push for water infrastructure improvements. CBDL Communications/Projects Specialist Katlyn Straub said they've been pleased with the progress. ...

The August recess is a chance for members of Congress to reconnect with their constituents. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said it’s also the perfect time for farmers and ranchers to talk to their legislators about agriculture. ...

The U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan infrastructure package that contains several important investments for agriculture. Several U.S. agricultural groups reacted positively to the news. American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said, “We appreciate the Senate for working together to pass the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The ...

South Dakota Republican senator John Thune says his question is a simple one. Why is a federal agency that has repeatedly fumbled broadband grants being put in charge of massive new broadband funding in the recently Senate-passed infrastructure bill ...

Last week, the American Farm Bureau sent a letter to all 100 U.S. Senators expressing its support for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall said modernizing the country’s transportation infrastructure continues to be a priority for their members. ...

The Farm Credit Council says the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help improve rural America, bringing infrastructure improvements and jobs. Farm Credit President and CEO Todd Van Hoose said Thursday, “We commend the bipartisan group of 22 Senators and President Biden for their tremendous effort to forge agreement on this critical legislation.” ...

As lawmakers continue debate on a comprehensive infrastructure bill, Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, said significantly improving our nation's  infrastructure is crucial to rural America and it's economic development. Case in point, a rural New Mexico waste water treatment plant Vilsack recently visited. ...

Congressional Democrats are connecting Ag infrastructure issues, such as broadband, to the very larg, and politically risky, Biden infrastructure effort. House Ag Chair David Scott recently called his panel into session to vote out a $50 billion broadband bill, which is expected to become part of the trillion-dollar-plus Biden infrastructure deal with some Republicans ...