ALBANY, Ga. — August 17, 2026 — Albany Community Together, Inc. (ACT!) has been awarded $500,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development to establish a revolving loan fund that will expand access to capital for eligible small businesses in rural communities across Southwest Georgia.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Michigan State Director Dom Restuccia today celebrated the dedication of fire truck for Putnam Township.

“This is a huge boost to public safety and highlights the focus on improving emergency response capabilities by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the Trump-Vance Department of Agriculture,” said Restuccia. “I congratulate Congressman Tom Barrett on his tireless efforts to ensure this project moves forward.”

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega announced that the agency is partnering with Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association to invest $1.3 million in projects in Jackson and Monroe Counties.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Oklahoma State Director Zachary Swartz announced today that the Trump Administration provided a USDA Rural Development grant to the City of Sayre to acquire a new patrol car for its police department.

The Administration’s investment in public safety with the City of Sayre follows through on President Donald Trump’s commitment to Make America Safe Again.

HAZARD, Kentucky — U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Travis T.

Rural Development published the Fiscal Year 2026 Section 533 Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) Notice of Funding Opportunity on August 6, 2026. The HPG program awards grants to qualified organizations to repair or rehabilitate homes, rental properties, or co-ops occupied by low- and very-low-income residents in rural areas. Eligible applicants include most State or local governmental entities, federally recognized Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based organizations.

The Hidalgo County Service Center in Edinburg, Texas, will be temporarily closed. Effective July 30, 2026, USDA Rural Development staff at the Hidalgo County Service Center will be relocated until further notice. Customers seeking assistance or to do business with USDA Rural Development may meet with staff in person by appointment each Wednesday at a temporary location in Edinburg.

Interested customers may make meeting arrangements or ask questions by contacting Area Director Roel Gomez at 956-383-4928.