A report released by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack Thursday highlights the ways infrastructure investments in rural communities help create jobs and boost economic development. Vilsack says quality hospitals, schools and libraries are the building blocks for a vibrant rural America. He says the Obama Administration is leveraging Rural Development investments to ensure rural communities can compete in the global economy.

Secretary Vilsack also announced additional investments to create jobs and promote economic growth across the nation Thursday. USDA is awarding 38 Community Facilities investments in 21 states. The program supports infrastructure and services for public use in rural areas of 20-thousand in population or less. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2009 – USDA says the program has helped more than 37-million rural Americans address challenges in health care, education, public service and public safety with project financing through loans, grants or loan guarantees.