The MORE USDA Grants Act seeks to enhance access to Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant programs for specific rural communities. It defines "High-Density Public Land Counties" as those with populations under 100,000 where over 50% of land is federally owned or managed. The bill targets these counties, along with their local and Tribal governments, to ensure they can more effectively compete for and utilize federal funding. A core provision of the bill is the 50% reduction in local matching fund requirements for eligible entities within these High-Density Public Land Counties for various qualifying USDA grant programs. These programs include those for rural business development, community facilities, telemedicine, broadband, and other discretionary rural development or energy grants. Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture is mandated to provide extra technical assistance to these applicants both before and during the annual application period. The legislation also establishes application priorities, favoring eligible High-Density Public Land Counties, local governments, or Tribal governments that have not received support under a qualifying grant program in the preceding 10 years. Furthermore, the Secretary is authorized to offer additional support and flexibility regarding application requirements that often disadvantage small or isolated communities. This flexibility can address issues like scoring criteria based on numerical size, partnership mandates, financial prerequisites, or overly complex application processes.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
Agriculture and Food
MORE USDA Grants Act
USA119th CongressS-2618| Senate
| Updated: 7/31/2025
The MORE USDA Grants Act seeks to enhance access to Department of Agriculture (USDA) grant programs for specific rural communities. It defines "High-Density Public Land Counties" as those with populations under 100,000 where over 50% of land is federally owned or managed. The bill targets these counties, along with their local and Tribal governments, to ensure they can more effectively compete for and utilize federal funding. A core provision of the bill is the 50% reduction in local matching fund requirements for eligible entities within these High-Density Public Land Counties for various qualifying USDA grant programs. These programs include those for rural business development, community facilities, telemedicine, broadband, and other discretionary rural development or energy grants. Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture is mandated to provide extra technical assistance to these applicants both before and during the annual application period. The legislation also establishes application priorities, favoring eligible High-Density Public Land Counties, local governments, or Tribal governments that have not received support under a qualifying grant program in the preceding 10 years. Furthermore, the Secretary is authorized to offer additional support and flexibility regarding application requirements that often disadvantage small or isolated communities. This flexibility can address issues like scoring criteria based on numerical size, partnership mandates, financial prerequisites, or overly complex application processes.