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From Bottled Water to Better Days: Montana Communities Work Through Water Crisis

For communities everywhere, water is central to daily life. In 2019, however, it became a constant worry for the people of rural Worden and Ballantine in Montana. That year, residents were warned to stop drinking the tap water after testing revealed elevated levels of nitrates and nitrites. Overnight, everyday routines changed. Families, businesses, and schools shifted entirely to bottled water for all drinking and cooking needs. What was once taken for granted now arrived by the case.

USDA Rural Development Announces Pilot to Cut Red Tape, Preserve and Produce Affordable Rural Rental Housing

(Washington, D.C., September 22, 2026) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development today announced the Multifamily Housing Loan Preservation Pilot and Multifamily Housing Guaranteed Loan Notice of Loan-to-Cost Percentage Change to preserve and produce affordable rural rental housing. The pilot speeds property transfers, reduces duplicate paperwork, and preserves rural affordable housing stock.

USDA Rural Development Announces $34.2 Million in Guaranteed Loans to Benefit Business Development throughout West Virginia

(Morgantown, WV., September 18, 2026) — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development West Virginia State Director John Reisenweber announced three local business have received a combined $34.2 million in USDA guaranteed loans in partnership with local lenders to be used to develop real estate, create jobs and strengthen operational capacity.
 
“These investments energize West Virginia’s economy by capitalizing on tourism opportunities, strengthening local capacity and supporting family environments,” said Reisenweber.

USDA Invests Nearly $1 Million in Stelle for Critical Wastewater Infrastructure

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega announced that the agency is investing $963,000 for wastewater system improvements in Stelle. 

“USDA Rural Development is continuing to assist rural Illinois communities like Stelle through critical investments in infrastructure,” said Ortega. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Rollins, Rural Development continues to invest in modern infrastructure that helps keep our rural Illinois communities vibrant.”

USDA Opens New $175 Million Program to Expand Rural Nuclear Power Supply, Strengthen America’s Grid

(Washington, D.C., September 14, 2026) — U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Rural Development Glen Smith today announced $175 million available in the new Affordable Rural Cooperative Program (ARC) to boost rural nuclear power and strengthen the reliability of America’s electric power transmission.

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