Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue applauded the infrastructure plan laid out by President Donald Trump, specifically for its emphasis on investment in rural America. The plan calls for 25 percent of new federal funds to be dedicated to rural infrastructure needs, as prioritized by state and local leaders. Perdue says Trump has made it a priority to address the nation’s infrastructure since the day he took office and has now followed through on that commitment. “No other area of the country needs investment in infrastructure more than rural America,” he says. “With a quarter of new federal money going to rural parts of the country, states will have the ability to expand broadband access, increase connectivity, rebuild roads, and supply affordable utilities.” Perdue also says it’s important to remember that states get the flexibility to choose the projects that best meet their needs. “I’ve heard directly from people in the Heartland that this is just the type of investment they’re looking for to help create jobs, improve education, improve the quality of life, and increase overall prosperity.”