Washington, D.C. — Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva announced today that the city of Maricopa, AZ in Congressional District 7 will receive grant funds from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan (ARRA) to start or expand rural businesses.

“These funds will help rural communities save or create jobs and spur economic development,” Grijalva said. “These grants give rural communities the authority to make strategic investments to meet long term economic goals. Communities throughout Arizona have long needed this additional assistance and this will ensure that the security for our rural communities will continue to exist.”

One of 145 recipients, the City of Maricopa will receive $30,000 through the USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Enterprise Program (RBEG), which helps finance new and existing businesses as well as employment-related adult education programs. RBEG funds can be used for start-up and working capital loans, building and plant renovations, transportation improvements, project planning and other business needs.

The USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development, and supports the creation of critical community and technology infrastructure.

More information about USDA’s Recovery Act efforts is available at www.usda.gov/recovery.