GRM Networks

GRM Networks brings “Smart Rural Community” designation to northern Missouri and southern Iowa

GRM Networks has been certified a Smart Rural Community by the NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association. Smart Rural Community is a national program that promotes rural broadband and its role in supporting innovative economic development, access to education, state-of-the-art health care, and other important issues for rural America. To qualify as a Smart Rural […]

USDA Logo

USDA launches resource guide to assist rural communities seeking disaster and recovery assistance

United States Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today unveiled a resource guide as part of National Preparedness Month to help rural communities seeking disaster resiliency and recovery assistance. This guide follows the Biden-Harris Administration’s announcement of the American Jobs Plan, which targets investments to support infrastructure in communities that are most physically […]

Construction workers installing solar panels

USDA invests $464 million in renewable energy infrastructure to help rural communities, businesses and ag producers reduce energy costs

U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the Department is investing $464 million to build or improve renewable energy infrastructure and help rural communities, agricultural producers, and businesses lower energy costs in 48 states and Puerto Rico. “USDA continues to prioritize climate-smart infrastructure to help rural America build back better, stronger and more […]

Fiber Optic Internet Access

Governor Parson announces $400 million plan to improve broadband infrastructure in Missouri

During a press conference at the Missouri State Fair hosted by the Missouri Farm Bureau, Governor Mike Parson announced plans to deploy more than $400 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to increase broadband internet access, adoption, and assistance statewide.  “Investing in our broadband infrastructure is critical to unlocking our full economic potential […]

Network cables (RJ45 ) connected to a switch

Missouri lags behind other states in broadband access and adoption

Missouri lags behind many other states in broadband access and adoption, limiting people’s ability to participate in the emerging digital economy, digital learning, and even telemedicine. The trillion-dollar bipartisan infrastructure bill, which passed the Senate this week, includes $65 billion to boost high-speed internet access, along with other funds for roads, bridges, airports, and Amtrak. Tim […]

Missouri Department of Economic Development website

Department of Economic Development awards $17.7 million through Neighborhood Assistance Program and Youth Opportunities Program

The Department of Economic Development announced that it will award $17.7 million in 50% and 70% tax credits through its Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) and Youth Opportunities Program (YOP) Special Cycle to 104 nonprofits across Missouri. “Missouri nonprofits have gone above and beyond to provide critical services to Missourians throughout the past year,” Governor Mike […]

USDA Logo

USDA invests $14 million in rural economic development projects in 10 states

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced that USDA is investing $14 million in rural economic development projects in 10 states. “When we invest in infrastructure, we’re investing in the people of rural America to help create thriving communities where they can grow and prosper. These loans […]

Consolidated Machine and Welding website

Consolidated Machine and Welding expands in Hannibal, creating 30 new jobs

Consolidated Machine and Welding announced it will expand its facility in Hannibal, investing $4.3 million and creating 30 new jobs in the area. “We’re excited to see Consolidated Machine and Welding grow in Hannibal,” Governor Mike Parson said. “This new facility brings good-paying jobs and opportunities for our citizens in Northeast Missouri. Businesses often find […]

Broadband Internet Access graphic

Audio: Missouri county considering whether to use federal aid to boost broadband access

The U.S. Department of Economic Development estimates that more than 400,000 Missourians do not have reliable internet access. The American Rescue Plan passed by Congress earlier this year includes giving 16.9-million dollars to Buchanan County in northwest Missouri. Presiding Commissioner Lee Sawyer says at the forefront of his and his commissioner’s minds are using the […]

Man filling water bottle from rural spigot

Biden-Harris Administration invests $307 million in rural water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in 34 states

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the United States Department of Agriculture is investing $307 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 34 states and Puerto Rico (PDF, 224 KB). The investments being announced follow President Biden’s announcement last week of a Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that will make the largest investment in clean […]