PASCO, Wash. – Franklin County Commissioners will meet with USDA Rural Development State Director Kirk Pearson to explore potential funding opportunities, according to a release by the commission.
USDA Rural Development offers loans, grants and loan guarantees to support rural economic development across the U.S.
Director Pearson’s visit, first announced during the commission’s May 7 meeting, will focus on deploying federal resources to meet Franklin County’s unique needs.
Discussions will cover broadband expansion, infrastructure development, community facilities and rural business support.
Commissioner Clint Didier expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We welcome Mr. Pearson and his staff at USDA Rural Development, and we look forward to finding ways to partner together for the betterment of the people of Franklin County.”
Commissioner Stephen Bauman added, “Building strong relationships with federal agencies like USDA Rural Development is vital for our county’s progress. We believe this meeting will pave the way for meaningful investments in our rural areas, addressing key infrastructure gaps and supporting our local economy.”
The meeting will start at 9:00 am this Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Pearson, a former Washington state lawmaker, was reappointed as the USDA Rural Development State Director for Washington. He officially took the oath of office in Olympia on May 5, 2025.
Pearson first held the same role during the Trump administration in 2017. He resigned from the Washington State Legislature to take on the position.
Pearson represented the 39th Legislative District, which includes parts of Snohomish, Skagit, and King counties. He served twelve years in the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate, where he served from 2013 to 2017.
