The head of USDA Rural Development in Wisconsin says the work being done in Rhinelander's downtown is a direct example of federal dollars helping local communities.
Stan Gruszynski was in Rhinelander this week to formally break ground on the nearly $10 million Streetscape project. USDA Rural Development provided a large chunk of the money for the infrastructure work.
Last week, the USDA and UW-Extension announced an initiative called Stronger Economies Together. The program is seeking applications from rural communities wanting to strengthen existing regional development efforts. Gruszynski says they will strengthen rural economies by providing training and technical assistance...
"....connecting people with government and the private sector to look at new and expanded economies to strengthen these local areas where the economy has changed, job losses and those sorts of things..."
The program will help interested communities work together to develop and implement a regional economic development strategy or plan. One region in Wisconsin will be awarded the opportunity to receive training and technical assistance delivered by a core team of UW-Extension and USDA staff.
For questions, additional information, or to request an application, contact Greg Wise, UW- Extension Center for Community and Economic Development at greg.wise@ces.uwex.edu or (608) 265-8136.
