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The I-70 Scout & Eastern Colorado News

Category: National News

  • Governor Polis Orders Flags Lowered to Honor Victims of Tragic Shooting in Monterey Park, California

    DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on all public buildings and properties immediately until sunset on January 26, 2023, in honor and remembrance of the victims of the horrific tragedy in Monterey Park, California as directed by President Biden. Flags will be flown at half-staff starting immediately until sunset, January 26, 2023.

     

    The text of the proclamation reads:

    As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on January 21, 2023, in Monterey Park, California, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 26, 2023.  I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-second day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.

    JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

  • 2023 New Release: Is your City Among the Best Ones to Raise a Family in the U.S.?

    According to the Best Cities to Raise a Family, the newest in-depth analysis of 151 cities conducted by the scholarship website Scholaroo, which examined 32 metrics organized into 7 key indicators — Safety, Health, Finances, Education, Leisure, Quality of Life and Home Atmosphere — Yonkers- NY was ranked as the best city, with almost all of the top 10 cities located on the country’s east side.

    On the other hand, Denver- CO, was ranked the worst, as a great reflection of the shortage of affordable housing that the city has been facing, due to the high median housing values and cost of living.

    **BEST AND WORST CITIES TO RAISE A FAMILY **
    (Top and bottom 10 cities ranked in descendent order)

    #1 Yonkers – NY
    #2 Warwick – RI
    #3 Charleston – WV
    #4 Burlington – VT
    #5 Las Cruces – NM
    #6 El Paso – TX
    #7 Fort Lauderdale – FL
    #8 Charleston – SC
    #9 Virginia Beach – VA
    #10 Chicago – IL

    —

    #142 Charlotte – NC
    #143 Chattanooga – TN
    #144 Columbus – OH
    #145 Missoula – MT
    #146 Austin – TX
    #147 Stockton – CA
    #148 Los Angeles – CA
    #149 Minneapolis – MN
    #150 Santa Ana – CA
    #151 Denver – CO

    See below some cities and their positions in the ranking


    For the complete study and methodology, or additional details about Best Cities to Raise a Family, please visit >>> https://scholaroo.com/report/best-cities-to-raise-a-family/

  • 2022’s Best and Worst Cities for Vampires

    Do you feel most alive at night, detest garlic, and have a habit of lurking in the shadows?

    Whether you wear a cape daily or just once a year for Halloween, you can fang Lawn Love for ranking 2022’s Best and Worst Cities for Vampires.

    We looked for cities with plenty of warm bodies, blood centers, and vampire-friendly dwellings — aka casket suppliers and homes with basements. We also considered deterrents like garlic festivals and sunshine, as well as community and entertainment factors, such as vampire groups, nightlife options, and vampire tours. 

    Check out the 10 best (and 10 worst) cities for vampires below, followed by key insights from our report. (See where your city ranks here.)

    Key insights:

    • Northern Nosferatus vs. Southern Slayers: NYC is the ideal city for vampires, thanks to having the most potential victims, the most slaughterhouses, and the most vampire groups. Big cities like New York, Chicago (No. 2), and Seattle (No. 13) have plenty of fresh blood, nightlife options, and casket suppliers.

      It’s no surprise that Surprise, Arizona, came in dead last and other sunny Southern cities fell in our ranking, with other Arizona cities plus Nevada and California taking up the bottom 10. While fewer layers of clothing might make it easier to sneak a drink through all four seasons, it’s hard to avoid the sun’s rays with maximum sunshine, minimal cloud cover, few homes with basements, and scarce casket suppliers (especially in California).

    • Transylvania, USA: Is Pennsylvania the Transylvania of America? Maybe so — both of the biggest Keystone State cities made their way into our top 10.

      Philadelphia brings home the bronze with a high number of vampire groups and tours (No. 2 in both). Philly also has a high population, abundant nightlife options, and numerous blood drives to keep vampires well fed and entertained. Pittsburgh isn’t too far behind at No. 6, with plenty of blood centers, casket suppliers, and basements to appease sunless lifestyles.

    • Shadowy histories: Despite lacking in Food and Drink and Lair Safety, New Orleans (No. 15) continues to grow its vampirical legacy. NOLA has the most vampire tours due to local icons like legendary author Anne Rice and infamous vampire Jacques St. Germain. 

      San Francisco (No. 5) follows closely behind in tours (No. 2), thanks to the historically scary Nob Hill neighborhood. The Golden City also has plenty of blood centers, vampire groups, and nightlife options to balance out the sunshine and herb shops. Sunny Los Angeles (No. 4) impresses with the highest number of vampire-friendly nightclubs, in addition to the second highest population and numerous slaughterhouses, casket suppliers, and vampire groups.

    Our full ranking and analysis are available here: https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-worst-cities-for-vampires/

  • NoCo PLACES 2050 celebrates conservation and the value of Colorado’s public lands on National Public Lands Day

    Conservation and the Value of Colorado’s Public Lands
    National Public Lands Day inspires visitors to celebrate public lands   
    Denver, Colo. – Colorado is known for outdoor adventures, and with over 2.18 million acres of public land along the Northern Front Range, there are plenty of areas to explore. With increased visitation on public lands, it is clearer than ever that investments to support the conservation of our lands, waters, and wildlife are critical pieces of sustaining this high quality of life for future generations of Coloradans.

    National Public Lands Day on September 24 inspires people to consider the value of conserved lands in Colorado, as shown in this video. The nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort is celebrating its 29th year with the theme “Giving Back Together.” The COVID-19 pandemic caused millions of people to seek recreation, solace, and safety in the outdoors on Colorado’s public lands. The sentiment for this year’s volunteer effort is giving back to the land that has served us during a difficult time.

    Why do Coloradans value public lands? The answer ranges from the health benefits of being outdoors, to the desire to preserve natural spaces for future generations. The connection of people to green spaces is vitally important for communities to have access to the outdoors now and in the future. Additionally, parks and open spaces are valuable as wildlife habitat, for native plants, and for clean water. 

    See the value of Colorado’s public lands through the eyes of visitors and volunteers. 

    “Our public lands are representative of many of the greatest ideals of our country, and our collective appreciation, conservation, and stewardship is necessary to keep them healthy and thriving,” says Aaron Mayville, deputy forest supervisor, Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. “I encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on how to give back, together, and appreciate how fortunate we are here in Colorado to have such treasured landscapes right out our back doors.” 

    Northern Front Range land management agencies encourage Coloradans to examine how they can value and conserve our public lands, on National Public Lands Day, and every day. Everyone can celebrate the fabric of public lands through volunteerism, stewardship, and conservation activities. Contact the Northern Colorado agencies listed below to explore National Public Lands Day volunteer opportunities.

    These messages are part of a broader effort by eight agencies collaborating on ways to address the challenges of high visitation and a growing population in northern Colorado’s foothills and mountains. Called NoCo PLACES 2050, this collaboration is committed to sustainable solutions, equitable actions, and beneficial land management practices for the long-term conservation of public lands in Colorado and the quality of the visitor experience. Learn about NoCo PLACES 2050.
  • Updated: JetBlue is buying Spirit for $3.8 billion after bidding war

    Updated: JetBlue is buying Spirit for $3.8 billion after bidding war

    By DAVID KOENIG and MICHELLE CHAPMAN

    AP Business Writers

    JetBlue Airways is buying Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion in a deal that could increase competition at the top end of the U.S. airline industry while eliminating the largest discount airline for travelers on a tight budget.

    The agreement announced Thursday capped bidding war that began in April, and it came one day after Spirit’s attempt to merge with rival discount carrier Frontier Airlines fell apart. 

    JetBlue and Spirit would become the fifth-largest U.S. carrier, with about 9% of the market. The combined airline would move much closer to the leaders _ American, United, Delta and Southwest _ while leaving the rest of the pack far behind.

    The only major obstacle remaining is the U.S. Justice Department. Antitrust regulators in the Biden administration have been critical of mergers, which they believe hurt consumers by limiting competition. The Justice Department sued to block a partnership between JetBlue and American Airlines.

    JetBlue’s case for regulatory approval rests on two main arguments: JetBlue says its reputation for lowering fares, together with the size of a JetBlue-Spirit combination, mean it could force bigger airlines to cut prices. And JetBlue has already volunteered to give up Spirit gates and takeoff and landing slots at airports in New York and Boston that could be given to smaller low-cost airlines, which would boost competition.

    “The real issue here though is clearly what can we do in the U.S. to make a more competitive airline industry against the large, big four airlines,” JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said in an interview. “We believe the most disruptive, the most effective thing that we can do is build a bigger JetBlue more quickly than we otherwise could.”

    New York-based JetBlue won Spirit, but its stock barely moved Thursday and has dropped 43% since it jumped into the bidding in April. Other large airlines lost 17% to 28% in the same period.

    Shares of Spirit, based in Miramar, Florida, rose 5.6% to close at $25.66, nearly $8 below the price that JetBlue is paying. Frontier, now positioned to become the largest U.S. discount carrier, soared 20.5% higher.

    “I think shareholders are seeing this as a windfall. To be the low-cost carrier in the United States is huge,” said Frontier CEO Barry Biffle, who just spent nearly six months trying to merge his Denver-based airline with Spirit.

    Spirit CEO Ted Christie was thrust into the awkward position of defending a sale that he fought against until the end. After arguing since April that regulators would never let JetBlue buy Spirit, he struggled Thursday to explain why he changed his mind.

    “A lot has been said over the last few months obviously, always with our stakeholders in mind,” Christie said on CNBC. “We have been listening to the folks at JetBlue, and they have a lot of good thoughts on their plans” for convincing the regulators.

    Hayes said Spirit planes will be converted to JetBlue’s configuration, which allows for more legroom and means there will be fewer seats for sale on each flight. He said JetBlue will increase the pay of Spirit employees.

    JetBlue and Spirit have been talking for the past several weeks, mostly about things such as how Spirit can retain key employees while its fate is up in the air. The financial terms of the deal did not change after early July.

    A series of mergers over the last 20 years led to four carriers dominating the U.S. market. Many consumer advocates worry that fares will rise after JetBlue takes over Spirit.

    “Spirit is going to disappear, and with it, its low-cost structure,” said William McGee of the anti-merger American Economic Liberties Project. “There is no question that fares are going to go up.”

    Diana Moss, president of the American Antitrust Institute, said competition would be eliminated on dozens of routes along the East Coast where JetBlue and Spirit now compete. She said the elimination of yet another small player “is going to be very harmful for consumers.”

    But others see potential benefit from the deal.

    “The larger airlines have carved up the nation, and there’s no real competition,” said Charlie Leocha, founder of the non-profit Travelers United group. “I really believe this (JetBlue-Spirit agreement) will provide JetBlue a chance to grow quickly, and having one more competitor will help consumers.”

    Many analysts believe that Frontier, Allegiant, Sun Country and others can fill the gap left by Spirit in the low-fare segment, but it might take a few years.

    Spirit and similar rivals Frontier and Allegiant charge rock-bottom fares that appeal to the most budget-conscious leisure travelers, although they tack on more fees that can raise the cost of flying. Spirit Airlines regularly ends up as the worst, or close to the worst, when airlines are ranked by the rate of consumer complaints. 

    JetBlue and Spirit will continue to operate independently until the agreement is approved by regulators and Spirit shareholders. The companies said they expect to close the deal no later than the first half of 2024. The combined airline would have 458 planes, be based in New York and led by Hayes. 

    JetBlue will pay $33.50 per share in cash for Spirit, including a prepayment of $2.50 per share in cash when Spirit shareholders approve the transaction. A ticking fee of 10 cents per share each month starting in January 2023 through closing would pay Spirit shareholders for any delay in winning regulatory approval.

    If the deal doesn’t close due to antitrust reasons, JetBlue will pay Spirit a reverse break-up fee of $70 million and pay Spirit shareholders $400 million, minus any amount paid to the shareholders prior to termination.

  • JetBlue agrees to buy Spirit for $3.8B after bidding war

    JetBlue agrees to buy Spirit for $3.8B after bidding war

    By DAVID KOENIG and MICHELLE CHAPMAN

    AP Business Writers

    JetBlue Airways has agreed to buy Spirit Airlines for $3.8 billion and create the nation’s fifth-largest airline if the deal can win approval from antitrust regulators.

    The agreement Thursday capped a months-long bidding war and arrives one day after Spirit’s attempt to merge with fellow budget carrier Frontier Airlines fell apart. 

    Spirit CEO Ted Christie is being thrust into the awkward position of defending a sale to JetBlue after arguing vehemently against it, saying that antitrust regulators would never let it happen.

    “A lot has been said over the last few months obviously, always with our stakeholders in mind,” Christie said on CNBC. “We have been listening to the folks at JetBlue, and they have a lot of good thoughts on their plans for that.”

    JetBlue’s case for regulatory approval rests on two main arguments: That its size makes it better positioned to force bigger airlines to reduce fares; and that it has already volunteered to give up Spirit gates and takeoff and landing slots at key airports in New York, Boston and Florida.

    JetBlue CEO Robin Hayes said those concessions will let other low-cost carriers, including Frontier, bolster their presence and thus increase competition.

    “The real issue here though is clearly what can we do in the U.S. to make a more competitive airline industry against the large, big four airlines,” Hayes said in an interview. “We believe the most disruptive, the most effective thing that we can do is build a bigger JetBlue more quickly than we otherwise could.”

    Together, JetBlue and Spirit would have about 9% of the U.S. air-travel market. American, United, Delta and Southwest control about 80% when international flights are included.

    Hayes said Spirit planes will be converted to JetBlue’s configuration, which allows for more legroom and means there will be fewer seats for sale on each flight. He said JetBlue will increase the pay of Spirit employees.

    JetBlue and Spirit have been talking for the past several weeks, mostly about things such as how Spirit can retain key employees while its fate is up in the air. The financial terms of the deal did not change after early July.

    Shares of Spirit, based in Miramar, Florida, rose 4% in midday trading Thursday, to $25.31, still below the price that JetBlue is offering. JetBlue shares slipped 2%, and Frontier _ seen as benefitting if Spirit disappears as a discount competitor _ jumped 19%.

    Spirit Airlines regularly ends up as the worst, or close to the worst, when airlines are ranked by the rate of consumer complaints. Still, some consumer advocates worry that fares will rise if it disappears.

    Spirit and similar rivals Frontier and Allegiant charge rock-bottom fares that appeal to the most budget-conscious leisure travelers, although they tack on more fees that can raise the cost of flying. 

    “Spirit is going to disappear, and with it, its low cost structure,” said William McGee of the anti-merger American Economic Liberties Project. “Once Spirit is absorbed (into JetBlue), there is no question that fares are going to go up.”

    Others, however, say that Frontier will grow _ it has a large number of planes on order _ and fill any gap left by Spirit in the cheapest segment of the air-travel market.

    JetBlue and Spirit will continue to operate independently until the agreement is approved by regulators and Spirit shareholders, with their separate loyalty programs and customer accounts. 

    The companies said they expect to conclude the regulatory process and close the transaction no later than the first half of 2024. If that happens, the combined airline would be based in JetBlue’s hometown of New York and led by Hayes. It would have a fleet of 458 planes. 

    JetBlue said Thursday that it would pay $33.50 per share in cash for Spirit, including a prepayment of $2.50 per share in cash payable once Spirit stockholders approve the transaction. There is also a ticking fee of 10 cents per share each month starting in January 2023 through closing to compensate Spirit shareholders for any delay in winning regulatory approval.

    If the deal doesn’t close due to antitrust reasons, JetBlue will pay Spirit a reverse break-up fee of $70 million and pay Spirit shareholders $400 million, minus any amounts paid to the shareholders prior to termination.

    Spirit and Frontier announced their plan to merge in February, and Spirit’s board stood by that deal even after JetBlue made a higher-priced offer in April. However, Spirit’s board could never convince the airline’s shareholders to go along. A vote on the merger was postponed four times, then cut short Wednesday when Spirit and Frontier announced they were terminating their agreement, which made a Spirit-JetBlue coupling inevitable.

    JetBlue anticipates $600 million to $700 million in annual savings once the transaction is complete. Annual revenue for the combined company is anticipated to be about $11.9 billion, based on 2019 revenues.

  • Extended Access to Higher Ethanol Blends Will Save Consumers Money at the Gas Pump

    Extended Access to Higher Ethanol Blends Will Save Consumers Money at the Gas Pump

    A recent decision by the Biden administration to extend access to higher blends of ethanol through the summer month will begin today, resulting in cost savings for Americans at the gas pump.
    “Gas prices are taking their toll on Colorado families,” said Colorado Corn Administrative Committee President Jeremy Fix. “Having access to higher levels of ethanol will save drivers money this summer.”
    Biden’s action came after a 2021 court decision – resulting from oil industry efforts to limit the growth of higher ethanol blends – was set to end full-market access fuel with a 15% ethanol blend this summer.
  • Wyoming revealed as the best state for Americans to get fit for free

    Wyoming revealed as the best state for Americans to get fit for free

    Research conducted by a global discount voucher website has found that Wyoming is the best state for Americans to get fit for free during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Experts considered the number of free running clubs, hiking trails, cycling routes, outdoor gyms and total acreage in all 50 states, cross referenced with population figures to determine the ranking, as data revealed Americans could be saving $600 per year by taking advantage of free local facilities.
    A global discount voucher website has conducted research to reveal the best States in the US where Americans can work out during National Physical Fitness and Sports Month – without spending a single dollar.

    Physical activity guidelines recommend that American adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, in addition to two days of muscle strengthening activity. However, a report from the CDC found that less than a quarter (23%) of Americans get enough exercise*. Further data shows that there has been a 1.8% increase in obesity across the country over the last five years, leading to a 33% obesity rate in those aged 18 and above**.

    The brand behind the research, WeThrift, looked into the number of free running clubs, hiking trails, road cycling routes, public outdoor gyms, and total acreage, cross-referenced with population figures to determine which state has the most free fitness facilities per 100,000 Americans.

    Wyoming came out in first place, taking the top spot for both the most road cycling routes and hiking trails available. Meanwhile Alaska, in second place, had the most acreage and accessibility to running clubs compared to any other state.

    The five best states to get fit for free:
    Wyoming
    Alaska
    Vermont
    Colorado
    Maine

    The five worst states to get fit for free:

    Georgia
    Texas
    Louisiana
    South Carolina
    Oklahoma

    The full research results and further information can be found here: https://www.wethrift.com/articles/best-state-to-get-fit-for-free/

    Looking at the number of free running clubs across the United States, Wyoming, Rhode Island, Vermont, and New Hampshire rounded off the top five, while New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Montana also scored highly for the number of hiking trails available.

    For Americans interested in a combination of cardiovascular exercise and weight training, Nevada topped the list of states with the most outdoor gyms per 100,000 people, followed by Colorado in second and Vermont in third place.

    Georgia was revealed as the worst location to get fit for free, ranking among the bottom ten states for free running clubs, hiking trails, cycling routes, and outdoor gyms.

    With the average price of a gym membership in the United States costing more than $50 per month, members of the public looking to improve their personal finances could make an annual saving of over $600*** each year by taking advantage of free local groups and facilities.

    Nick Drewe, founder of WeThrift said,

    “With the cost of living continuing to rise, Americans are looking to save money wherever and however they can. Sadly, the gym is a luxury that many can’t afford, and it’s likely to be one of the first monthly expenses that people decide to cut back on. However, physical activity remains an important part of life, and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month aims to encourage Americans to stay active.

    “In line with this mission, we have conducted our research to highlight the vast number of local facilities available to help Americans adopt or continue to live a healthy lifestyle, without any financial burdens. We hope that this information encourages people to discover the opportunities on their doorstep, and continue to improve not only their physical but mental health through movement.”
    NOTES TO EDITORS

    Methodology:

    For this study, WeThrift looked at all 50 states in the U.S. To rank each city, five metrics were taken into consideration; the number of free running clubs, hiking trails, road cycling routes, outdoor gyms, and total acreage of each State.

    Every data point was cross-referenced with the population of each State, to find out which ranked highest for free facilities per 100,000 people.

    Each city was given a score of one to 50 based on where they ranked in the list, with one being the best and 50 being the worst. Some cities were given the same score if they ranked the same as each other.

    References:

    *https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr112.pdf
    **www.ibisworld.com/us/bed/adult-obesity-rate/112885/
    ***stronghomegym.com/average-gym-membership-costs/#:~:text=Average%20Gym%20Membership%20Costs%20%2450.03%20Per%20Month%20%5B2022%20Gym%20Price%20Research%5D

    www.runningintheusa.com/club/list
    www.alltrails.com
    www.playgroundequipment.com/us-states-ranked-by-state-and-national-park-coverage/
    www.calisthenics-parks.com/regions

  • USDA Celebrates National Homeownership Month

    USDA Celebrates National Homeownership Month

    Biden-Harris Administration Highlights Programs to Help People Buy, Build, Repair and Rent Homes in Rural, Tribal and Underserved Communities

    WASHINGTON, June 1, 2022 – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack kicked off National Homeownership Month. As part of this nationwide celebration, USDA is highlighting programs that help people in rural, Tribal and underserved areas buy, build and repair affordable homes and to pay their rent in America’s smallest towns and communities.
    “Rural America is a place everyone can call home,” Vilsack said. “Whether you own or rent a home, you’re invested in and connected to the place you live. While homeownership is a good fit for many, renting also helps people invest in their communities and build wealth for their families and generations to come. This kind of support is critical now more than ever, as people in rural communities face rising housing costs. Through single family, multi-family, rental assistance, home repair and other programs, USDA Rural Development is here to improve rural livability across the United States.”
    Expanding opportunities for homeownership and rental assistance strengthens rural communities and helps families and individuals build wealth and achieve financial stability. This month, the Department is highlighting the ways the Biden-Harris Administration has invested $26 billion to help nearly 150,000 families and individuals in rural and Tribal communities buy, repair and build homes through USDA Rural Development’s single family housing programs. More than 35,000 families and individuals living in socially vulnerable communities have achieved homeownership.
    In addition, USDA works to increase access to affordable multifamily rental housing opportunities in rural America. The Department is currently helping nearly 300,000 tenants afford to pay their rent through rental assistance. This assistance ensures low-income and elderly tenants pay no more than 30% of their income in rent. For more information, visit Multifamily Housing Programs | Rural Development (usda.gov).
    USDA is also highlighting ways it is working with lenders and community partners to open the door to homeownership for rural Americans who have been unserved or underserved for far too long. USDA is hosting events across the nation to showcase affordable housing programs for lenders, community partners, families and individuals. USDA’s single family housing programs are:
    Visit the Single Family Housing program webpage or contact a Rural Development State Office to learn more about USDA homeownership programs near you.
    Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

  • USDA Invests $770 Million to Expand Market Opportunities for Rural Businesses and People in 36 States and Puerto Rico

    122 Projects Will Help People in Socially Vulnerable Communities

    WASHINGTON, May 24, 2022 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $770 million to help create new and better market opportunities (PDF, 366 KB) for rural businesses and people in 36 states and Puerto Rico. The investments include $640 million for 122 projects to help people living in socially vulnerable communities.
    “The economic success of rural America has long been the bedrock of our Nation’s economy as a whole,” Vilsack said. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Vice President Harris, USDA is prioritizing investment in jobs, businesses, and entrepreneurial opportunities in rural America. The investments we’re announcing today demonstrate how USDA remains committed to helping people in rural America create new and better market opportunities for our country.”
    The funding will help a diverse rural America keep resources and wealth right at home through job training, business expansion and technical assistance. It will help companies hire more workers and reach new customers. It will open the door to new economic opportunities for communities and people who historically have lacked access to critical resources and financing. It will also help entrepreneurs and business cooperatives create jobs, grow businesses, and find new and better markets for the items they produce.
    For example:
    • In New York, 88 Ridge Royale LLC will use a $3.5 million loan to update the historic Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls. Funds will be utilized to build a 5,800-square-foot ballroom to accommodate 400 guests, with a dedicated banquet kitchen. This investment will create 25 new jobs and support 80 existing jobs in Glens Falls.
    • In Nebraska, the city of Cozad will use a $300,000 Rural Economic Development grant to update a pharmacy. Upgrades will expand the pharmacy department, add security measures, and install new ventilation hoods. These improvements will enhance rural health care for approximately 4,000 people in the Cozad area.
    • In South Carolina, Clemson University will use a $99,992 Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program grant to help the South Carolina Center for Cooperative and Enterprise Development provide technical assistance to microentrepreneurs. The funding is expected to help at least 50 rural businesses access financing and receive financial management guidance.
    Background:
    USDA is making 154 investments through three programs specifically designed to create economic opportunities for people and businesses in rural areas. These programs are the Business and Industry (B&I) Loan Guarantee Program, the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Programs, and the Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program.
    The awards are being made in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming and Puerto Rico.
    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean-energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
    Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans 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, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
    If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.