Provide accelerated assistance to communities faced with acute economic problems associated with Federal, State or private sector resource management decisions and policies and that are located in or near a national forest and are economically dependent upon forest resources. Aid is extended to these communities to help them develop strategic action plans to diversify their economic base and to improve the economic, social, and environmental well-being of rural areas. Eligible economically disadvantaged rural communities may request assistance in identifying opportunities that will promote economic improvement, diversification and revitalization.
Assistance is coordinated through a community action team and plan.
Programs may include upgrade of existing industries, development of new economic activity in non-forest related industries, technical assistance, training and education directed towards meeting the community's planned goals. Assistance requested will be coordinated with other USDA agencies and targeted to provide immediate help to those rural communities in greatest need. Grants and technical assistance are available to those communities meeting the eligibility requirements. In both cases, the county must derive 15 percent or greater primary and secondary labor and proprietary income from forestry and forest related industries, such as recreation and tourism, range, minerals, and wildlife. In all cases, the community or county must also be within 100 miles of the boundary of a national forest.