At USDA, we know that the potential of rural America is limitless. And with that in mind, since 2009, targeted strategic investments have helped a sustainable rural economy grow.

As part of USDA’s commitment to a robust 21st century rural economy that works to complement the production of food, fiber and fuel, last week, we announced that our partnership with Coca-Cola North America to restore and protect damaged watersheds on national forests achieved a milestone of one billion liters of water restored. We also announced a commitment to double that outcome through 2018. America’s 193 million acres of public forests and grasslands support approximately 200,000 full and part time jobs and contribute over $13 billion to local communities each year. The 13 restoration areas are located on national forest land, which provides drinking water to more than 60 million Americans. They help to ensure future generations of Americans will have access to fresh water.Strong infrastructure is also critical to keeping America’s communities of all sizes thriving. Last week, we announced an investment in 168 projects to improve water and waste infrastructure across the country. We also announced that we’re seeking applications for nearly $4.4 million in grant funding to help towns in the Delta region access high-quality medical and health care services, helping the area to support strong communities for generations to come.

Join us throughout the month of September as we tell the important story of eight years of significant and transformative investments across the nation that have empowered rural America to continue leading the way, strengthening America’s economy, as well as the small towns and rural communities that so many call home. Follow along on usda.gov, on the USDA blog and by using #USDAResults, or catch up on Chapter IX on our Medium site.

Throughout the month you can join us as we tell the important story of how eight years of significant and transformative investments across the nation have empowered rural America to continue leading the way, strengthening America’s economy, as well as the small towns and rural communities that so many call home.