By Sabrina Bates
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Tennessee State Director Arlisa
Armstrong today announced the availability of grants to help rural and Tribal communities repair
water infrastructure damaged by presidentially-declared disasters, severe winter storms in
calendar year 2022. This is part of President Joe Biden’s Investing in America agenda to grow
the American economy from the bottom up and middle-out.
Eligible applicants include rurally-located public bodies, and nonprofit organizations across
Shelby County as it was a presidentially-declared disaster area.
USDA is making over $247 million in grants available through supplemental disaster funding
under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Funds will remain available until expended.
Funds may be used to:
· repair damaged water infrastructure.
· develop resiliency to reduce long-term risks from future disasters.
Applications must be submitted through the RD APPLY application system at rdapply.usda.gov.
For more information on how to apply, contact Christopher Hampton
([email protected]) or Allen Hawk ([email protected]) or visit
“The Biden-Harris Administration and USDA stand ready to help people rebuild their lives and
their communities,” Armstrong said.
“The assistance I'm announcing today will help make sure rural communities across this state
who were impacted by natural disasters last year have the resources they need to repair or
rebuild their water infrastructure. This funding is critical because we know that rural America is
home to millions of people who make up America’s spirit and character,” she added.
USDA is making over $247 million in grants available through supplemental disaster funding
under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Funds will remain available until expended.
USDA expects to announce additional funding for presidentially-declared disaster areas in the
coming weeks.
This additional funding will help eligible rural communities repair and rebuild essential
community facilities. It will also help communities access technical assistance and training to
identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste problems.
Additional resources to support rural communities seeking disaster assistance are available at
