Hometown Iowa’s best-kept secret

President Joe Biden used his first State of the Union address to talk about where our country has been and where we are going. The president mentioned a lot we can be proud of and even more to look forward to, especially in rural America. Rural Iowans might have wondered “What does this really mean to me?” As the USDA rural development state director for Iowa, I would like to answer that question.

In its first year, the Biden Administration, through USDA Rural Development programs, invested $700 million in our hometowns. Through the American Rescue Plan, rural Iowa has received many vital investments such as a major hospital expansion in Le Mars, new surgical equipment in Mahaska County Hospital, expanded broadband in Stanton, upgraded water treatment facilities in Clarion and even a new fire hose in Clarinda. No matter how big or small the investment, USDA is committed to helping communities build a foundation for sustained economic growth.

In the years ahead, President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is expected to provide over $5 billion to Iowa. This once-in-a-generation federal investment will address highways that are in poor condition, repair and replace bridges, improve water infrastructure, and expand broadband coverage. At USDA Rural Development, we will be working with our state and local leaders to determine how best to invest these resources to support local priorities.

Finally, in a major push to reverse the devastating impact of consolidation on rural America, the Biden-Harris Administration recently announced up to $1 billion in loans, grants, and loan guarantees to diversify meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain and create jobs and economic opportunities in rural communities. In Iowa, that has already translated into $3.6 million in grants to expand capacity at 18 local meat lockers in towns like Sully, Durant, and Winthrop.

As I travel the state, I’m struck by how much USDA programs mean to people proud of their communities and fighting to keep them viable as great places to live, work and raise a family. I’m again reminded of how important these investments are when I talk with hometown mayors, fire chiefs and hospital CEOs. The country has faced deep challenges over the past year, and the people of rural America know this better than anyone. But rural communities are resilient, and as the success of rural America goes, so goes the rest of the country. I encourage anyone reading this — community leader, business owner, entrepreneur, farmer, homeowner, and renter — to reach out and explore how USDA Rural Development can make a difference in your business and community.

Theresa Greenfield is the USDA Rural Development State Director for Iowa, appointed by the Biden-Harris administration in November 2021. You can reach USDA Rural Development at 515-284-4663.