Rural Development

Historically, federal funding decisions and policy choices have left Oregon’s rural communities behind. This chronic neglect has created significant infrastructure challenges like the lack of sufficient access to health care and affordable housing, safe roadways and bridges, broadband connectivity, and adequate wastewater systems.

Congress must level the playing field for rural America. I have championed legislation that would increase federal funding for our rural communities across Oregon and throughout the country. I am working to provide these localities with technical assistance while helping them navigate the federal funding landscape.

Congress must also recognize that rural areas face unique economic stressors, including high costs for constructing affordable housing and other development projects. I strongly support making it easier to access capital for these projects by lowering interest rates on federal loans and cutting red tape to ensure development projects are not delayed year after year.  

Oregon’s success is directly tied to the vitality of our rural communities. Folks in rural Oregon deserve the highest possible standard of living and access to critical infrastructure that helps to spur economic development. Too often, our resources are directed to high population-density areas without proper consideration given to the needs of these communities and to the people who live there. To reach our full potential, we must prioritize rural development.