USDA announces funding for coastal counties hit by wildfires

Image of GettyImages-1166537088.jpg

On May 20, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced that USDA is making priority funding available for coastal communities that have been devastated by wildfires. 

USDA is reserving $2 million under the Rural Business Development Grants program for eligible projects in rural communities located on a river or ocean coastline. Priority is being given to National Scenic Areas impacted by wildfires. National Scenic Areas are environmentally protected, federally designated locations that have outstanding natural and scenic value.

“Under the leadership of President Biden, Vice President Harris and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack, USDA is committed to getting help to rural communities that have been impacted by wildfires in many parts of the country,” Maxson said. “As severe weather and natural disasters continue to threaten the livelihoods of residents and businesses in rural America, we want the communities we serve to know that USDA stands ready to help.”

Eligible entities include rural counties, towns, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, higher education institutes and cooperatives.  Projects must be consistent with any USDA Rural Development state strategic plan, local and area-wide community and economic development strategic plans and support other economic development activities.   Funds may be used for projects including, but not limited to, business support centers, job training, and leadership development. 

Applications must be submitted to the nearest USDA office by July 6, 2021

Learn more information about this assistance opportunity here.

Visit www.rd.usda.gov for information about additional opportunities and investments in rural America from USDA Rural Development.

Related News

Texas National Guard troops use boats to search for survivors in Kerr County following floods that began in the region on July 4, 2025. More than 230 Guard personnel are working in three counties to clear debris and conduct search and rescue operations. Photo courtesy of the Texas National Guard
County News

Texas Hill Country floods kill more than 100 across six counties

Nineteen different local and state agencies are involved with the search and rescue efforts over six counties following flash flooding in Texas' Guadalupe River. 

A diversion outlet returns floodwaters to the Red River in northern Cass County, N.D. A diversion channel carries floodwater west of Fargo and other Cass County areas. Photo courtesy of the Army Corps of Engineers
County News

Diversion project spells relief from Fargo-area flooding

After suffering several top-10 worst floods in just a few years, Cass County, N.D. citizens voted for a sales tax that funds a massive diversion project that should protect the growing region from the Red River’s swells.

Multnomah County, Ore. is working to ensure the Burnside Bridge is still standing after a major earthquake.
County News

Pacific Northwest counties prepare for ‘The Big One’

Counties in Oregon and Washington are preparing for the devastating earthquake and tsunami that scientists say is coming in the next 50 years.