Funding decisions are based on community and regional priorities and are made in consultation with other state and local agencies and organizations. The federal contribution to the overall implementation of an action plan cannot exceed 80 percent of the total cost of the plan, including administrative and other costs. 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 national forest system lands. Uses and Restrictions 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.