Nunn Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Iowa’s Rural Communities

DES MOINES, IA - Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Don Davis (NC-01) today introduced the Revitalizing Rural Communities Act , bipartisan legislation to extend the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) program to boost community development and job creation in rural Iowa and across the country.

"Rural communities are the backbone of Iowa," said Rep. Nunn . "Whether it's expanding broadband, building a new medical clinic, or growing a small business, the bipartisan investments we're making will create jobs, improve Iowans' quality of life, and help rural communities thrive."

The REDLG program provides rural utilities with zero-interest loans and grants to support local development. Funds can be re-lent or passed on to small businesses, schools, nonprofits, and health care facilities to create and retain jobs, expand facilities, or upgrade infrastructure.

In Iowa alone, the REDLG program has supported over $1.1 billion in local investment and helped create or retain more than 21,700 jobs since the program's creation in 1989. In 2022, Iowa electric cooperatives secured over $2.4 million to support new facilities, improve services, and drive economic growth. Nationwide, the program has funded more than 1,000 community development programs, supporting community investment and improvement projects across America.

"President Trump and Secretary Rollins are committed to unleashing the potential for our rural communities here in Iowa and across the nation," said USDA Rural Development's Iowa State Director Mike Sexton . "We're grateful to Congressman Nunn for his leadership in supporting our rural cooperatives and communities with this extension of our Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program. This program is a critical component for revitalizing the rural economy for Iowa communities and families."

"Since 2007, REDLG has helped Winterset finance more than 20 projects, directly supporting over 60 local jobs. We've used it to expand the West Bridge Care & Rehab Center, build our electric substation, and support the Main Street businesses that keep our town running," said Winterset City Administrator Drew Barden . "This is one of the best tools we have for rural development, and I'm grateful to Congressman Nunn for being a steadfast partner in ensuring small communities like Winterset can prosper."

The Revitalizing Rural Communities Act updates Section 313B of the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 by increasing the program's annual funding authorization to $12 million for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

Text of the bill can be found here .

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