Rural Partners Network

The Rural Partners Network (RPN) is an alliance of federal agencies and commissions working directly with rural communities to expand rural prosperity through job creation, infrastructure development, and community improvement. Led by USDA Rural Development, RPN members collaborate to identify resources to help rural people build the futures they envision for the unique places they call home. For more information on the Rural Partners Network program, click here.

Halifax and Northampton counties have been selected as one of five community networks in North Carolina. These two counties are intrinsically connected and their location along the Interstate 95 corridor provides easy access for travelers and businesses, contributing to the economic vitality of the region. Both Halifax and Northampton counties’ strategic location along the Interstate 95 corridor near the Virginia border enhances their connectivity and accessibility. With both economies relying on agriculture, the fertile land and favorable climate support a thriving industry, with crops like tobacco, cotton, peanuts, and soybeans being major contributors. The counties’ rural landscapes are dotted with farms, fields, and forests, showcasing the region’s agricultural heritage. The region offers a blend of rural charm and cultural heritage, with historical sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its unique identity.

The Halifax-Northampton Community Network, in collaboration with Rural Partners Network, will focus its work for this region on infrastructure development, housing, community facilities, economic sustainability, and access to high-speed internet.

Recent announcements of funding opportunities are provided below with links to the specific resource:

One Percent Interest Loans for Water & Waste Disposal Loans

USDA Rural Utilities Service has received funding for a new One Percent Loan program to help distressed communities. The One Percent Loan program provides an additional tool in our Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant program to maximize the investments from Congress and reduce the reliance on grant funding, while having a positive or neutral fiscal impact on distressed communities receiving assistance. Funding is available now to help you build, expand, and repair your community’s drinking water, wastewater, storm water drainage, and sanitary solid waste disposal systems. Low interest loans are available now. Contact the State Office to discuss your projects.

Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program (EDA)Funding Opportunity Description: Subject to the availability of funds, awards made under this NOFO will seek to alleviate persistent economic distress and support long-term comprehensive economic development and job creation, in places with a high prime-age (25 to 54 years) employment gap.

Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) State Infrastructure & Economic Development Grant: Grant funding through the State Economic & Infrastructure Development (SEID) grant program will be available to revitalize and spur economic development across counties in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. 

Funding Rural Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Rural EV toolkit is a one-stop resource to help rural communities scope, plan, and fund EV charging infrastructure: https://www.transportation.gov/rural/ev/toolkit

• The Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) grant program will have funding available for the next five years
• CFI website: https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/cfi/
• Email for questions:  CFIgrants@dot.gov
• https://driveelectric.gov/contact/
• https://cleancities.energy.gov/
• https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=346798
• https://www.transit.dot.gov/lowno
• https://www.epa.gov/cleanschoolbus
• https://driveelectric.gov/state-plans/
• https://afleet.es.anl.gov/infrastructure-emissions/

Reconnecting Communities & Neighborhoods (RCN) Grant Program
USDOT has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program. The objectives of the program are:

• Prioritizing disadvantaged communities; 
• Aiming to improve access to daily needs such as jobs, education, healthcare, food, and recreation; 
• Fostering equitable development and restoration; 
• Reconnecting communities by removing, retrofitting, or mitigating highways or other transportation facilities that create barriers to community connectivity, including to mobility, access, or economic development.