Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Discusses Rural America

President Trump’s pick for USDA Rural Development Undersecretary Glen Smith testified at his Senate confirmation hearing this week.  Smith told senators that Rural Development’s many business programs, alone, aren’t enough to turn the growing problem of "outmigration".  The Farm Credit System board chairman said it will also take “quality of life” improvements, including utilities, hospitals, and fire stations.

“Infrastructure that contributes to the quality of life, because you’re not going to keep residents or attract residents, which would be even more positive, if you don’t have that quality of life," Smith said.  "And rural development contributes hugely to that quality of life.”

We Need Adequate Cybersecurity

And on the subject of outside threats to infrastructure via cyber-attacks.

"Any programs that Rural Development is involved in should make sure we have adequate cybersecurity measures, because a lot of this can be done by bad characters simply from cybersecurity," Smith noted.  "They’re not going to show up at a site and plant a bomb at a substation. They’re going to do it on their computer.”

Smith also agreed that rural areas should have the same high-speed internet access as urban areas, but pointed out it’s up to Congress to fund that.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com