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CONGRESSMAN BISHOP HOSTS VIRTUAL TOWN HALL TO HIGHLIGHT USDA RD PROGRAMS FOR AG PRODUCERS, BUSINESSES & LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

November 12, 2021
COLUMBUS, GA – This week, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) hosted a virtual town hall event to promote awareness of and participation in U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA RD) programs. Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development, Justin Maxson, joined the Congressman and introduced the audience to USDA RD. Additional presentations highlighted funding opportunities available to agricultural producers, businesses, and local governments. The Congressman also invited local success stories to share their experiences applying for and working with USDA RD.
You can watch the event and learn more about the USDA RD programs that were discussed by visiting https://bishop.house.gov/TownHall/2021-11-09/USDA-RD-Programs.
"Our rural communities face unique challenges but their well-being affects every American, regardless of where they live. In Congress, I have worked with my colleagues to create and robustly fund USDA Rural Development programs that can help build and improve water and water treatment facilities, rehabilitate community facilities including rural health clinics, expand markets for our agricultural producers, and so much more," said Congressman Bishop. "When our towns and residents successfully participate in these programs, it can mean improved utility services, cleaner water, new jobs, and having healthcare that is closer to home. This town hall event helps connect them with USDA Rural Development so that our communities can benefit from these opportunities."
"If individuals or local government leaders have a question about these programs or how to get in contact with USDA Rural Development, then I encourage them to call my office," Congressman Bishop added.
"The people of Rural America are critically important to the success of our entire country. When rural Americans reach their full potential, all of America benefits," said USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson. "Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Bishop, and under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, at USDA Rural Development, we are championing rural people to elevate progress for all. Our role and purpose is as an investor, an ally, and an advocate for rural people. USDA aims to make rural communities great places to live and work for everyone."
In addition to Deputy Under Secretary Maxson, Steffanie Bezruki (Chief of Staff of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service), Caryn Compton (Chief of Staff of the Rural Utilities Service), and Jamal Habibi (Chief of Staff for the Rural Housing Service) provided information to attendees about several USDA RD programs — including how the funds could be used and who is eligible to apply.
Mayor Kevin Brown of Buena Vista as well as Executive Director Robert Cooke of Southwest Georgia United shared their experiences working with USDA RD and how its programs affected their communities.
The event is the latest town hall hosted by Congressman Bishop. In September, he hosted a virtual town hall with guests from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Urban League of Greater Columbus, and the Georgia Apartment Association to help landlords and tenants better understand the COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program.
You can also view that event on the Congressman's website at https://bishop.house.gov/covid-19-response-emergency-rental-assistance-program.
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