§2661 Statement of purposes and goals

Summary

Requires programs that help rural America grow in a balanced way so more people can work and enjoy a good life in communities across the country. It directs federal support to do five main things: give states, regional groups, local governments, businesses, and Indian tribes good scientific, technical, economic, organizational, environmental, and management information and help them use it; fund research that creates useful knowledge for planning and running public and private projects that aid rural areas; boost colleges and universities to do research and share practical knowledge for rural development; expand small‑farm research and offer training and technical help to small farm families so they can improve income and access services; and support extra programs for States facing rapid change or isolation and for regional and national rural policy needs. Sets seven goals: make rural areas better places to live and work; raise incomes and jobs (including for small farms, small businesses, and rural youth); improve key community services and facilities; improve rural housing; manage natural resources so communities can grow without harming farmland or the environment; strengthen data for local, State, and national decisions; and build the skills and effectiveness of rural governments, leaders, institutions, and citizen groups to get Federal help, target and deliver technical assistance, coordinate across agencies, and share better information about rural conditions.