Thanks for visiting the USDA Rural Development California website. Here you’ll see that our agency has a proven track record of helping families purchase their first home, building critical infrastructure in rural areas, helping rural entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, and improving the viability of California’s rural economies.

We can’t do our job though, without private investment and community leadership. That’s where you come in. We have 18 offices across California – from Alturas to El Centro. I welcome you to stop in for a cup of coffee sometime and tell us about your goals. Chances are, we have a program that’s right for you. You can learn more about USDA Rural Development resources in your area by clicking on the ‘Offices’ link above, or calling our state office at (530) 792-5800.

                        -Ben Higgins, State Director

State Director's Page

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Career Opportunities with USDA RD - California

27% - The increase in vehicle traffic on state's rural roads between 1990 and 2003. 

6,000 miles  - The length of California's network of levees that protect areas from flooding. 

18% - Segment of the state's rural population that completed college in 2000 vs. 26.8% of urban population.

1.4 million  - The number of mostly rural Californians lacking broadband access at any speed  

7.1% - The unemployment rate in California's rural areas vs. 6.2% in urban areas (2004 data).

3,400 - The estimated number of California jobs saved through the help of USDA Rural Development business programs in 2007.

Sources: USDA Economic Research Service, USDA Rural Development, California Chamber of Commerce

September, 2008

August 15, 2008
New Farm Bill Funds Used for Wastewater System

USDA Rural Development State Director Ben Higgins, Congressman Wally Herger and the State Water Resources Control Board presented $2 million to Yuba County officials for a new wastewater system in Gold Village subdivision.

Pictured left: State Director Ben Higgins announces $850,000 in grant funds to Yuba County for a new wastewater system at the Gold Village subdivision.  The new system is needed after the existing facility developed cracks and began leaking sewage.  The State Water Resources Control Board also provided just over $1 million in loan and grant funds for the project.

Pictured below: Representatives from River Highlands CSD and Yuba County received checks from the State Water Resources Control Board, USDA Rural Development and Congressman Wally Herger.

July 23, 2008

USDA Rural Development Grant Helps Businesses Expand Beyond County
State Director Ben Higgins presented the Siskiyou County Economic Development Council with a $30,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant check at their headquarters in Yreka.

Pictured left: Executive Director of the Economic Development Council Tonja Dowse shakes hands with State Director Ben Higgins as she receives a $30,000 RBEG check.  Funds will be used provide advanced marketing assistance to local businesses utilizing the council's commercial kitchen.

Pictured right: Higgins commends the Siskiyou County Economic Development Council for their ability to successfully support local small businesses that in turn create good jobs in a much needed region of California. 

July 23, 2008
USDA Rural Development Grant Aids Job Seekers and Employers in Siskiyou County
State Director Ben Higgins joined Siskiyou Training and Employment Program (STEP) staff and board of directors at the organization's headquarters to present the group with a $47,000 Rural Business Enterprise Grant check.

Pictured left: Higgins explains  the importance role that an experienced and qualified workforce plays in the success of a business.  STEP will use the funds provided by the RBEG award to offer workplace 'bootcamp'  style trainings to Siskiyou County  job seekers.

Pictured right: Higgins presents the board and staff members of STEP with a $47,000 RBEG check at their headquarters in Weed.

For more pictures visit the Photo Gallery
 

In other USDA Rural Development news...

Applications for Renewable Energy Loans and Grants Invited
For complete information on application procedures and deadlines published in the March 6, 2008 Federal Register click here. 

Availability of Funds for Section 538 Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Loan

Applicants interested in the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing loan program can view complete information on the application procedures published in the February 4, 2008 Federal Register or click here. 

FCC and USDA Rural Development Launch Website Focused on Rural Broadband Opportunities
The “Broadband Opportunities for Rural America” website makes available the expertise and resources of the FCC and USDA in a single, easily-accessible location and user-friendly format.  For more information or to visit the site click here.

Final Report of the California Broadband Task Force Published - "The State of Connectivity: Building Innovation Through Broadband"

The report provides a comprehensive picture of broadband deployment in rural California and includes maps of current availability and speed.  Although California was found to be a leader in broadband deployment among U.S. states, 1.4 million Californians, mostly rural, lack access to broadband at any speed.

The full report can be found at: http://www.calink.ca.gov/taskforcereport/

More news is just a click away in the USDA Rural Development News Room