Stimulus plan to help rural areas and industries

The $819 billion stimulus plan passed by the U.S. House last week gives rural residents something to look forward to, reports Farmgate, putting the likely amount for food and agriculture at $27 million, 3.3 percent of the package.

Rural facilities would receive $200 million for public safety, day care, libraries, education and rural medical clinics, while another $500 million would ensure rural housing loan guarantees to boost home ownership and rural relocation. "$100 million will be appropriated to spur $2 billion in loans and grants to rural businesses which have been hampered with tight credit," Farmgare reports. "The stimulus bill will provide $2.8 billion for loans and grants to expand broadband Internet service to rural areas." Read more here.