By Jake Fenner SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Two of New York’s congressional representatives are set to introduce a bill to help rural areas across the nation thrive.
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D) held a press conference in the town of Hudson today with Rep. Antonio Delgado (D-NY 19) to announce legislation which could provide $50 billion in grants to rural communities in order to increase development.
The bill, known as the Rebuild Rural America Act, will be introduced in Washington, D.C. this week. According to the lawmakers, the grant program will aim to help rural areas and small towns plan for long-term projects to improve their local economies.
“Rural communities are at the very heart of New York, and their development is key to helping our state, and our nation, succeed,” Gillibrand said in her press release. “These communities face complex challenges that demand comprehensive and long-term solutions.”
According to the bill, local officials would be required to form a council to identify developmental priorities in the region. The council would then apply for a five-year renewable grant, which would vary in amount. In addition, the councils and local governments would work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to approve an area’s eligibility.
Both lawmakers suggested ideas for what the funding could be used for, including broadband access, greater investment in schools, and other major projects.
“This bill gives rural communities the funding, flexibility and technical assistance to do what they know will best help their towns,” Delgado said.
Both Gillibrand and Delgado expect bipartisan support when the bill is introduced.
