Announced this past Friday on Earth Day, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack provided details for an $800 million investment on behalf of the USDA in climate-smart infrastructure. The funding, which will be spread across 40 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, will be used to strengthen the quality of life in rural America through a series of 165 projects.

Highlights of the projects include:

>> Expanded access to safe water and clean energy, including solar
>> Advancing equity in rural communities
>> Infrastructure improvements for communities affected by severe weather

Statement from Secretary Vilsack:

“USDA is proud to celebrate Earth Day and the many ways we are addressing climate change and investing in locally-driven solutions to bring safe water and renewable energy to people in rural areas everywhere.”

Read more about the USDA investment in climate change.