WASHINGTON, D.C. – Farm Credit Council President and CEO Todd Van Hoose today voiced Farm Credit’s strong support for the Rebuild Rural Coalition’s letter to President Joe Biden, and he called on Congress and the Biden Administration to set aside specific funds for rural infrastructure priorities.
“Our country’s rural infrastructure requires serious and specialized investment. Farm Credit urges Congress and President Biden to dedicate 25 percent of any infrastructure funds specifically for rural communities. Investing in rural infrastructure will help our small towns and rural communities rebuild from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and provide good-paying jobs to support rural families.”
“Infrastructure needs in rural America are unique and require targeted solutions. And we’re talking about more than roads and bridges – though those need repair, too. Our rural communities suffer from lack of access to broadband internet, affordable healthcare, reliable electricity, clean and safe drinking water, and available and affordable housing options.
“Modernizing and expanding rural infrastructure is critical to the viability of rural communities – whether they can attract jobs and grow their economy, whether residents have access to life-saving telehealth, whether students can complete homework assignments.
“Rural infrastructure challenges also endanger our agricultural and food supply chains. We saw significant disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The long-term success and competitiveness of America’s agricultural producers rests with their ability to easily and effectively transport their goods to markets and ports.
“Farm Credit stands ready to help rebuild rural infrastructure. It is a vital part of our mission to support rural communities and agriculture.”
Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, today and tomorrow. It has been fulfilling its mission of helping rural America grow and thrive for more than a century with the capital necessary to make businesses successful and by financing vital infrastructure and communication services.
