Champaign, Ill., Sept. 23, 2025 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega announced today that Rural Development is providing a $1 million loan to the Wabash Telephone Cooperative to pass through to the Effingham County Opportunity Foundation (ECOF) to expand services for people in rural Illinois with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The funding will help cover costs to expand and renovate the ECOF’s existing facility in Teutopolis.

Washington, D.C., September 23, 2025 — On August 28, 2025, Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the Rural Veterinary Action Plan, a bold strategy to increase the number of rural food animal veterinarians across the U.S. and to bolster the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s veterinary workforce in its role to protect American ranchers, animals, and our food supply.

Brief Project Description: The Highland Affordable Solar PACE IL Project (project) is a 6.9-MW solar farm including access roads, fencing, and associated utilities occupying approximately 42 acres located in Madison County, IL.

Staff assignment name:  Russell Japuntich 
Project submittal date: 4/28/2025 
Project Approval Date: 9/22/2025 
DOE CE Applied: B5.16

The project is a 2.5-MW solar farm including access roads, fencing, and associated utilities on a 15-acre parcel used as agricultural land, located in Union Township, Kossuth County, Iowa.

Staff Assignment: Suzanne Kopich 
Project Submittal Date: 
Project Approval Date: 9/22/2025 
DOE CE Applied: B5.16

Washington, D.C., Sept. 22, 2025 – U.S.

Washington, D.C., September 22, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced Beth Walker Green has been appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as the USDA Rural Development State Director for the state of Virginia. Director Green will implement President Trump’s America First agenda at USDA Rural Development, ensuring the needs of America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers remain a top priority.

Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Travis T. Burton and U.S. Congressman James Comer today announced USDA is investing over $1.6 million in a sewer project in the city of Morganfield.

“Water projects are not the most glamorous, but they’re essential to the prosperity of our rural communities,” said Burton. “Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Rollins, USDA Rural Development is proud to be a partner to water districts across the Commonwealth as they continue providing safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal.”