S. 3861: Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Reauthorization Act of 2026

The Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Reauthorization Act of 2026 aims to renew and enhance the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy grant program, which is part of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Here are the key components of the bill:

Grant Program Reauthorization and Expansion

The bill proposes to reauthorize and expand the grant program established under Section 379I of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. Changes include:

• Focus on Local Industries: The bill modifies the criteria for eligible industries, shifting from a focus on "industry clusters" to "industries in the area served by the partnership" to better reflect local resources.
• Emphasis on Smaller Communities: The program will specifically target rural communities with populations under 20,000, with a requirement that at least 10% of the grant funding each year benefits communities with populations under 10,000.

Modifications to Eligibility and Grant Conditions

The bill makes several adjustments to eligibility requirements for grant recipients and the conditions under which grants are awarded:

• Eligible organizations must now demonstrate a diverse representation of industry bases and collaborate with state offices of rural development.
• The language regarding "industry clusters" is removed in several sections, indicating a shift towards granting based on the activities funded rather than specific industry designations.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes a total of $50 million in appropriations for each fiscal year from 2027 to 2031 to support the objectives of the grant program.

Conforming Amendments

Additionally, the bill includes conforming amendments to the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, ensuring consistency with the changes made to the grant program.

Objective of the Bill

The main goal of the RISE Reauthorization Act is to strengthen rural economies through targeted grant funding that reflects the unique needs and characteristics of rural communities, enhances local enterprise opportunities, and fosters economic resilience.

Relevant Companies

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