Helen Price Johnson

On Wednesday, USDA’s Rural Development announced that it will invest $94 million in Yakama Power's Clean Energy Project.  The funds come via the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program, PACE, where rural electric cooperatives and communities can use funding to lower electricity costs for businesses and families, while reducing climate pollution.    Yakama Power said th...

Thanks to a recently announced $19.1 million grant from USDA’s Rural Development, residents of the Colville Reservation will benefit from improved high-speed internet access.  The tribes will use the funding to expand broadband access to 165 residential customers, six businesses, and 20 farms in Okanogan County.  RD said this ...

On Thursday, the USDA announced a $78.3 million investment through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program , which includes $4 million bound for Washington.  Cunningham Solar is slated to use those funds to develop nearly three megawatts of solar energy in the central part of the state.  USDA's ...

Last week, the USDA announced it is funding additional projects across Washington via the Rural Energy for America Program in an effort to lower costs, expand access to clean energy as well as strengthen farms and small businesses.  Helen Price Johnson, Rural Development Director for Washington said $5.1 million...

As part of Thursday’s National Rural Health Day celebrations, Rural Development is introducing a new tool the USDA says will enhance health care in rural Washington.   “The health and well-being of Washington’s rural communities are crucial to the state’s success,” said Helen Price Johnson, USDA Rural Development State Director for Washington. “This index is a vital resource t...

Through its Community Connect Program, Rural Development has awarded $63.8 million to expand high-speed internet in rural areas across 12 states, including Washington.   “We know this is fundamental to building prosperity and a bright future where people and businesses can grow and thrive,” said Helen Price Johnson the State Director for Rural Development in Washington.  "Rural America... Rea

On Wednesday, USDA’s Rural Development announced it is awarding over $120 million to fund six fertilizer production projects across six states.  The funding comes through the Fertilizer Production Expansion Program, which USDA said provides grants to independent business owners to modernize equipment, adopt new technologies, build production plants, and more.   One No...

Last week, USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is partnering with farmers and small businesses to expand access to clean energy and lower energy bills through the Rural Energy for America Program.  The USDA announced $104 million in loans and grants to support over 300 clean energy projects in 34 states.  That in...

Last week, the USDA announced that eight companies nationwide were receiving grant dollars to beef up domestic fertilizer production.  Perfect Blend LLC, headquartered in Othello-WA, will receive part of the $29 million announced under the USDA’s Fertilizer Production Expansion Program.   “Today...

USDA's rural development community facilities funding, recently highlighted by a $1-billion award to projects nationwide, consist of several grant and loan programs within rural development. And as Washington State Rural Development Director Helen Price Johnson points out, funding vehicles can be combined to bring needed facilities projects together ...