There are three locations in Arizona who made the cut out “of 47 rural communities and regions that will receive technical assistance to help create and implement long-term economic development plans.” This is made possible by way of the USDA’s Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) program. According to the USDA, “Each of the 47 communities and regions will be paired with one of four partner organizations that will provide free technical assistance for up to two years to help rural towns and regions create and implement economic development plans. USDA awarded $1.2 million in cooperative agreements to these partners in September 2018. The agreements will help the partners finance the free technical assistance.” The areas in Arizona and their partner, along with Project Description are as follows:
Gila County
McClure Engineering
The recipient will use planning assistance to develop entrepreneurial and co-working facilities. Technical assistance will benefit residents of the city of Globe, the town of Miami and the San Carlos Indian Reservation.
Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization
McClure Engineering
The recipient will use planning assistance to develop infrastructure projects. Technical assistance will benefit residents of Graham County and Greenlee County.
Southern Apache County
Rural Community Assistance Partnership
The recipient will use planning assistance to expand internet services to improve access to mental health, business development and education services. Technical assistance will benefit residents of Alpine, Concho, Eagar, Greer, Sanders, Springerville, St. Johns, Vernon, the White Mountain Apache Reservation and the Navajo Reservation.
