USDA Rural Development: Helping to Put Americans to Work

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack provided highlights of USDA Rural Development fiscal year (FY) 2011 investments in job-creating businesses, infrastructure and housing for Americans living in rural communities across the nation. According to estimates, Rural Development investments created or saved about 440,000 jobs last year. In the federal fiscal year that ended on September 30, Vilsack said Rural Development, through its Business, Cooperative, Utilities and Housing programs provided housing opportunities for over 143,000 families, upgraded community facilities, boosted the reliability of the electric grid, funded renewable energy projects, and through the Community Connect and other broadband programs supported efforts to provide affordable, reliable Internet service to rural homes.