The Department of Agriculture is establishing a rural partnership network, which can help small communities in areas like the Delta secure federal funding and improve opportunities for their residents. US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack visited several areas in the region Wednesday and spoke with local leaders during a round table in Greenwood. He says cities could have a better chance at obtaining essential resources if they work together.
Secretary Vilsack says “With the establishment of the rural partnership network, we can begin the process of working with our sister agencies to help these communities develop a regional plan, and within that regional plan establish priorities, take a look at which department might be able to meet that need. Take a look at what barriers may exist, and try to remove those barriers.”
Many communities in the Delta do not have full-time staff that can seek out and apply for federal funding. Mayor Erick Simmons of Greenville says the partnership program can help market the Delta region as a whole, rather than many small communities.
Mayor Simmons says “About 75% of our cities and towns are small communities, less than 10,000 [population]. 85% of those are less than 2,000. And so when you think about the small towns that got 200, 300 folks, they deserve to have some of these federal dollars to improve the quality of life of their folks too.”
The USDA has also authorized a $1 million grant for Greenwood Leflore Hospital to cover expenses accrued throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
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