THOMPSON HOSTS USDA RURAL DEVELOPMENT ROUNDTABLE FOR NAPA COUNTY COMMUNITY

St. Helena - Last week, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04)partnered with leadership from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA RD) to host a roundtable with leaders from across NapaCounty. During the session, Rep. Thompson and USDA RD State Director, Maria Gallegos-Herrera, presented leaders from across NapaCounty with information on Rural Development programs and services that are available to qualified rural Napa Countycommunities.

"Rural communities are the backbone of California and our country," said Thompson. "Thank you to the USDA Rural Development team for partnering with me to bring local leaders from across NapaCounty together to discuss our community's needs and connect leaders with USDA RD programs that can help address those needs. Already, NapaCounty has received over $37.5 millionin support from USDA RD programs and I look forward to continuing to support our community's development."

USDA Rural Development provides more than 70 programs to help improve the economy and quality of life in rural communities that meet program requirements. USDA RD programs help rural communities build infrastructure like hospitals and community centers and help rural communities increase access to utilities, affordable housing, and homeownership opportunities. These programs come in various forms including loans, grants, loan guarantees, and partnerships with local leaders.

Thompson's session in St. Helenawas the thirdof five Rural Development roundtables the Congressman hosted in each of the five counties that make up the 4^th Congressional district: Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo.