By Andi Anderson
Steve Howell has been named the new state director for federal Rural Development in Indiana. He brings experience from roles with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Indiana Soybean Alliance, where he served as an agriculture and legislative liaison.
“I really have a heart for rural Indiana,” Howell said. “It’s a great place to raise a family, work, and grow a business, but we have challenges, and I want to be part of addressing those.”
As the new leader of Rural Development, Howell will focus on key issues facing small communities across the state. His priorities include improving access to healthcare, expanding broadband connectivity, and updating local fire stations. These challenges, he noted, directly affect the quality of life in many rural areas.
In addition to these focus areas, Howell highlighted the availability of federal funding for essential infrastructure projects. This includes support for sewer upgrades, water treatment facilities, and rural housing developments.
“Rural Development is there to support rural communities,” Howell said. “A lot of them don’t have the resources to fund these projects on their own.
Although recent federal budget cuts have impacted some programs, Howell says U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is committed to increasing the department’s efficiency and making sure rural communities continue to receive needed support.
Howell and his team plan to work closely with local governments and organizations to help small towns across Indiana access the funding and assistance they need to grow and thrive.
With Howell’s leadership, Indiana’s Rural Development office aims to be a strong partner in building better infrastructure and services for the state’s rural residents.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-zoran-zeremski
Categories: Indiana, Government & Policy