USDA Rural Development staff help build rural communities from the ground up by investing technical and financial resources. Through our low-interest loan and grant programs we assist local government bodies, non-profit organizations, private companies and individuals with projects in business development and job creation, affordable housing and home repairs, and a wide range of essential community services from clean drinking water and emergency services to public facilities and nursing homes. In Tennessee last year, Rural Development staff assisted more than 678,000 Tennessee families and businesses with more than $435 million in financial resources through loan guarantees, direct loans and grants.

Applications from most programs start in the area offices.
For details on eligibility and contacts in Tennessee select from your area of interest on the menu to the right>> or contact our State Office in Nashville at:

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Spotlight

USDA Rural Development State Director Bobby Goode announced today 15 projects across the state will receive their part of $1.5 million awarded under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The announcement was made at a REAP recipient event at Wampler’s Farm Sausage Company in Lenoir City. In addition to Wampler’s, Goode also announced Hometown Medical Clinic in Madisonville and Apalachee Nursery, an agriculture producer, in Turtle Town, as REAP recipients. All three recipients are working with Sustainable Future, a Knoxville based solar power installation company.
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U.S. Rep. John Tanner and USDA Rural Development State Dir. Bobby Goode announced a federal investment of $50,000 to equip the new regional Agricultural Learning Center for distance-learning, agri-business development and community development meetings. Pictured left to right are Lamar Alexander's Field Rep. Matt Varino, RD Area Director Harriet Cannon, Tanner, TN. Dept. of Ag. Deputy Commissioner Terry Oliver, Goode, Sen. Bob Corker's Field Rep. Nick Kistenmacher, Lauderdale County Mayor Rod Schuh, State Rep. Craig Fitzhugh, Halls Mayor Eugene Pugh, Lauderdale Co. Superintendent of Schools Joey Hassell and Halls High School Ag teacher Windy Willette.. Read More