USDA official says Carlisle County is joining federal rural partners network, kickoff set for Aug. 21

Brad Rogers, a USDA representative invited to speak at the Carlisle County Fiscal Court meeting, told the court that "Carlisle County is now officially in the RPM network," and described a multiagency federal effort to direct grant and loan resources toward small rural communities.

Rogers said the Rural Partners Network involves USDA along with the departments of Commerce and Education, the DRA and transportation partners, and that 10 states and roughly 21 regional networks are participating. He invited county officials to a kickoff forum on Aug. 21 at Columbus Belmont State Park starting at 8:30 a.m.

Court members asked how low- and moderate-income (LMI) eligibility and matching requirements will affect Carlisle County's ability to access funds. Rogers confirmed some grants require LMI thresholds and noted state-level grant programs and the DRA can be used as part of matching strategies. Members raised concern that federal grant rules generally do not allow federal dollars to serve as matches for other federal grants; Rogers acknowledged that constraint and pointed to state matching mechanisms discussed as "House Bill 9" in the meeting.

The presentation was brief; Rogers encouraged participation in the kickoff and offered to work with county staff on identifying funding opportunities and technical assistance. The court did not take formal action on any RPN funding at the meeting but scheduled outreach and follow-up with USDA staff.

What happens next: county staff and USDA will coordinate about the Aug. 21 forum and follow up on specific grant opportunities and matching options for Carlisle County.