Experts, Policy Makers Consider National Broadband Infrastructure
Last week, telecommunication industry experts met at a bicameral, bipartisan Broadband Caucus in Washington D.C. to discuss the importance of modernizing the nation’s communication network and the development of a long-term plan to address this dire infrastructure need. Panel experts discussed the need to improve existing broadband connections as well as expanding broadband into rural areas.
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USDA Announces $252 Million Available for Regional Conservation Partnership Program
The USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is awarding up to $252 million dollars to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation's water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. Applicants must match or exceed the federal award with private or local funds.
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Treasurer Chiang Launches New Green Bonds Report
On January 23, 2017, Treasurer John Chiang released a new report on how California can lead the way on climate financing, green infrastructure financing and kick-starting the US green bond market. California must take immediate steps to start addressing the massive infrastructure needs, which include upgrades to transportation networks, energy grids and water & wastewater facilities, to name a few. Although the U.S. enjoyed the leading global position in overall green bond issuance in the past, it was surpassed by China in 2016. Green bonds account for a much lower share in the overall bond markets than similar global regional economies and with less than one-tenth of one percent of outstanding bonds being classified as green, there exists an opportunity to grow. As California continues to struggle to identify infrastructure financing opportunities, all financing tools should be considered.
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USDA Invites Applications for Rural Business Development Grants to Support Business Enterprise
USDA Rural Development California State Acting Director Rich Brassfield announced that the agency is seeking applications for the Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) Program. RBDG grants are available to public bodies, non-profit organizations and federally recognized tribal groups to finance and facilitate various business opportunity or business enterprise projects that serve rural areas. Individual businesses are not eligible to apply.
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CDFA Secretary Karen Ross to Host Farm Bill Listening Sessions – Seeking Public Comments on California’s Agricultural Priorities
California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross is holding several public forums across the state seeking input from farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders on priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill.
“The farm bill is as important to San Francisco and Los Angeles as it is to the Central Valley,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “This legislation ensures a robust farm safety net, promotes farming and ranching practices that are environmentally sound and provides important nutritional funding for our citizens. How our California Congressional delegation helps to shape the federal farm bill will result in positive investments to our communities, our health and agricultural economy.”
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