WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) recently introduced legislation to make federal grants more accessible for rural communities in Wyoming and across the country. The bill would require the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to work with leaders in rural communities to streamline and simplify the grant application process.

“Our rural communities and small businesses are the backbone of Wyoming’s economy,” said Senator Barrasso. “Too many of Wyoming’s smaller communities miss out on federal grant opportunities due to the confusing, burdensome and time-consuming application process. The EDA Short Form Application Act will bring economic development grants within rural Wyoming’s reach. Cutting red tape and creating a shorter, more relevant process will make it easier for Wyoming’s rural communities to successfully apply for these valuable grants.”

The EDA Short Form Application Act would:

• Require the establishment and use of short form applications for rural communities applying for economic development grant programs, and for other purposes.

• Require the Economic Development Administration (EDA) to consult a representative group of rural stakeholders for input on the following criteria:

1. The length of the applications,
2. The information and documentation required or requested to be submitted as part of the applications,
3. The degree of applicability to rural communities of questions in the applications and information and documentation described requested, and
4. Any other considerations the Assistant Secretary determines to be necessary for the establishment of the short form application.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

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