RALEIGH — Rural Development State Director for North Carolina Robert Hosford recently announced that USDA is investing $4 million in 12 distance learning and telemedicine projects in North Carolina. USDA is providing the funding through the Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant program. These investments will benefit 385,000 rural residents.
“Distance learning and telemedicine are vital to future growth, better health, and rural prosperity in North Carolina,” said Hosford. “This DLT funding will provide rural residents with access to quality economic, social, and educational opportunities.”
Below are the projects announced Friday in North Carolina:
- • East Carolina University
- • Johnston County Public Schools
- • North Carolina Central University
- • Central Carolina Community College
- • Martin Community College
- • Wilson County Board of Education
- • Stanly County Schools
- • Albemarle Regional Health Services
- • Edgecombe County Schools
- • Coastal Horizons Center, Inc.
- • Beaufort County Community College
Applicants eligible for Distance Learning and Telemedicine grants include most State and local governmental entities, federally-recognized tribes, nonprofits, for-profit businesses and consortia of eligible entities.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Supporting the rural workforce was a cornerstone recommendation of the task force.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
