Murphys, CA…USDA Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann will present the Central Sierra Planning Council, a subsidiary of Central Sierra Economic Development District (CSEDD), with a $178,000 Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) award at a ceremony today in Muprhys. Grant money will be used to perform a feasibility study to subsidize wood building products composed from biomass removed from surrounding forests. This will address impacts of biomass on wildfire and aid in affordable housing construction. CSEDD will also work to expand and revitalize business within the region. More than 25 jobs are expected to be created.

“Rural business is a cornerstone of rural prosperity,” said Vann. “We have lived through the devastating effects of wildfire, and this partnership can provide innovative options to decrease fire hazards while increasing rural infrastructure and job opportunities through workforce training.”

Vann will also be a featured speaker at the Central Sierra Economic Development Summit and Workshop hosted by CSEDD July 26 at the Ironstone Vineyards Music Room, 1894 Six Mile Rd, Murphys, CA 95247. For more information visit http://www.csedd.org/.

USDA Rural Development supports rural businesses by providing funding through the Rural Business Development Grant for targeted technical assistance, training and other activities leading to the development or expansion of emerging or private business in rural areas.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/ca.