Rural Community Block Grants

The mission of the Rural Community Block Grant program is to provide funds to distressed rural areas for building public infrastructure in support of economic expansion and job creation. The Legislature has appropriated $2.2 million to implement the Governor’s Rural Task Force recommendations to create this program.

Eligible Applicants

Cities under 10,000 in population are eligible. Cities contiguous to large cities are not eligible to apply. Counties may apply for countywide projects or on behalf of unincorporated communities. Counties cannot apply for projects that benefit cities over 10,000 in population. Special purpose districts are not eligible, although they may be involved in the execution of a project by mutual agreement. An Indian tribe may be considered as an applicant or may be a partner in a project by mutual agreement.

Eligible Activities

Activities considered eligible include extension of streets, water and sewer lines, and/or utilities to a site for a new business or industrial park; acquisition or construction of buildings for lease or purchase by a company; and provision of telecommunications, power, gas, and rail upgrades necessary for business expansions. These funds may also be used as match for other federal programs such as the Idaho Community Development Block Grant Program as well as grants or loans from the Economic Development Administration and USDA-Rural Development. City halls and schools are not eligible.

Local Match - Local match is required, but there is no set amount.

Evaluation Criteria - Applications will be evaluated on the impact to distressed areas. Other evaluation factors include the number and quality of jobs created by the project, long-term economic impact, community support, and project financing and readiness.

Additional Information - For additional information check the Idaho Department of Commerce Web site or contact Pat Madarieta at (208) 334-2650 ext 2144.