USDA grant will create jobs in rural community | News

The USDA announced its selection of 27 projects in 14 states that will help small businesses and job creation opportunities in Native American communities. One of these projects is the Ramah Navajo School Board Inc. in Ramah, NM.

"These grants represent USDA's ongoing commitment to strengthen tribes, tribal businesses and tribal governments and support sustainable rural business opportunities that will create jobs,” said Senior Adviser for Tribal Relations, Janie Hipp. “ The Obama Administration is working to ensure that members of Tribes have the tools they need to expand economic opportunities and improve their quality of life.”
According to the USDA, this is a step to implement measures to improve living for people in Substantially Undeserved Trust Areas in order to get funding for basic living essentials.
The USDA is giving more than $3.2 million dollars in grants to all the projects. The Ramah Navajo School board Inc. will use its money for a preliminary architectural feasibility report and schematic design for Cedar Bluff Travel Center and the Cedar Bluff Restaurant and business complex.
USDA Rural Development State Director Terry Bruner said the project will help bring jobs to the community.
“This is the type of project that this administration has been working hard to finance.” Brunner said, “Ultimately when built this project will create 25 jobs in a community that needs employment and the business will provide a major service to this remote community.”