Thompson Hosts Rural Development Workshop in Ridgway

Ridgway, PA – Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-05) joined with representatives from rural communities across north central Pennsylvania, the North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission and the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, to discuss funding opportunities through the federal government.

“In Congress, we made big changes in the 2014 Farm Bill to prioritize projects that support economic growth and community development,” Thompson said. “The purpose of today’s event was to educate community leaders and residents across the Commonwealth on the assistance available and how to pursue these opportunities.”

Discussion at Monday’s event focused on the wide range grants and loans available through USDA Rural Development for economic development, improvement or construction of community facilities/equipment, utility programs and for small businesses.

“This is an opportunity for us to connect the needs of our rural communities with the resources available from the federal government,” said North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission Executive Director Eric Bridges. “We appreciate the cooperation of Congressman Thompson in recognizing our organization’s efforts to pull people and small businesses together across this region.”

Assistance in seeking federal assistance is available through Thompson’s offices, either in Bellefonte at (814) 353-0215, Titusville at (814) 827-3985 or Washington, D.C. at (202) 225-5121.