U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega announced that the agency provided Clay County with an $800,000 grant to construct a new medical building for the Clay County Hospital. The Clay County Hospital is a county-owned hospital governed by the Clay County Board.

Environmental Assessment
Finding of No Significant Impact

(Gainesville, Fla., June 4, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Florida State Director MaryAnn Pistilli recently celebrated the completion of the new Gulf Coast Children’s Advocacy Center in Marianna, recognizing a decade of investment and the center’s persistence through adversity.

“With this ribbon cutting celebration, we are honoring USDA’s focus on its founding purpose of rural revival and to strengthen local infrastructure in our rural communities,” said Pistilli.

Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development New York State Director Richard Mayfield kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans, especially first-time homebuyers, achieve the dream of homeownership.

Trump Administration Highlights Affordable Pathways to Homeownership in Rural America

(Champaign, Ill., June 3, 2026) – This week, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans, especially first-time homebuyers, achieve the dream of homeownership.

Trump Administration Highlights Affordable Pathways to Homeownership in Rural America

(Stevens Point, Wis., June 8, 2026) – Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Wisconsin State Director Andrew C. Iverson kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans, especially first-time homebuyers, achieve the dream of homeownership.

(Huron, S.D., June 3, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development South Dakota State Director Lorraine Polak today announced that Lakota Funds has signed loan closing documents to become the state’s third home loan lender in South Dakota under the Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans program. This $764,000 investment will provide working capital to finance home loans on the Pine Ridge Reservation in southwest South Dakota.

Project is Anticipated to Create Five Jobs and Advance the Region’s Long Term Environmental Goals

(Columbus, N.J., May 7, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development New Jersey State Director Rick Stern today announced an investment supporting innovative wastewater solutions that enhance efficiency and protect local resources in rural New Jersey. 

Trump Administration Highlights Affordable Pathways to Homeownership in Rural America

(Bangor, Maine, June 2, 2026) –Today, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Maine State Director John Butera kicked off National Homeownership Month by highlighting Rural Development’s commitment to expanding access to affordable housing and helping more Americans, especially first-time homebuyers, achieve the dream of homeownership.

The Town of Freeport sits along the Harraseeket River, a northern arm of Casco Bay. Just a few miles away in Brunswick, Mere Point Oyster Company grows shellfish in the clear, fast‑moving waters of Maquoit and Mere Point Bays, waters that are considered some of the most ecologically significant in Maine.

 Although these communities are separate, they are tied together by a single reality: healthy coastal waters sustain both public health and local livelihoods.