The Biden administration is providing about $70 million through grants and loans for rural projects in Arizona. The lion’s share is in the form of a $53 million loan for a health care facility in Casa Grande. 

The loan is made under the Rural Partners Network. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack spoke with KJZZ News about what the administration hopes to accomplish through the funding program.

"This is an opportunity to improve quality of life, economic opportunity to begin to reduce those persistent poverty rates," he said.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making about $260 million available in historically underserved communities across the country. 

Sun Life Health Center is the recipient of the loan in Casa Grande.  The new health care facility will be used for primary care, a women’s health clinic, pediatric medicine and other services. 

Vilsack said a rural network officer will be established within communities to act as a direct liaison to Washington, D.C.