Applications are being sought from rural communities and entities across Arizona who wish to participate in a federal pilot program in regional economic development. Under a cooperative agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development agency and four Regional Rural Development Centers, multi-entity regions will compete to participate in technical assistance and training to develop a regional economic development strategy.

Arizona is one of the eight states across the nation selected for the pilot program. Four applications from the western region will be selected to be sent to the national team. From there the top two from each of the eight pilot states will be awarded. Each selected area will receive training on regional development and be given background data and analysis specific to the region. The training will involve active participation by the trainees and span a multi-week period. For an application: Log on to http://wrdc.usu.edu/htm/programs/set-az ; call 602-280-8740; email dianna.jennings@az.usda.gov; or write Stronger Economies Together, c/o USDA Rural Development, 230 N. First Avenue, Suite 206, Phoenix, AZ 85003-1706. The deadline for applications is May 3, 2010. A teleconference to answer questions from applicants is scheduled for Friday, April 16, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. PDT. The call-in number is 866-633-3380. Check the web site or call for entry code information. -0-