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USDA Invests in ProTek Fiber Project to Provide Direct Fiber-to-the-Home Service in Southern Illinois

Fiber-optic Infrastructure Project Saves Dozens of Jobs and Creates Even More

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega recently announced that the agency is investing nearly $21 million to ProTek Fiber through Farmers State Bank of Alto Pass. ProTek Fiber is using the funding to install 700 miles of fiber to provide direct fiber-to-the-home service for more than 10,000 households, farms, businesses, and community anchor institutions in Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Union, Williamson, and Saline counties.

USDA Rural Business & Cooperative Programs Administrator J.R. Claeys Visits to Highlight West Virginia Manufacturing, Economic Development, and Domestic Energy Production

Claeys Announces $294.2 Million Invested Across West Virginia Communities

(Morgantown, W. VA., March 12, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Rural Business & Cooperative Services Administrator J.R. Claeys and West Virginia State Director John Reisenweber sat down with business and economic partners today to discuss the state’s strong economy, and potential for growth. 

Guthrie County Hospital Breaks Ground on $37 Million Expansion and Renovation Project with Support from USDA

(Des Moines, Iowa, March 11, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development’s Iowa State Director Michael Sexton today participated in a groundbreaking ceremony at the worksite for Guthrie County Hospital’s expansion and renovation. Last August, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced the Department would lend the hospital $37 million through the Community Facilities Direct Loans and Guaranteed Loans program to help make the project possible.

USDA Rural Development Invests in McArthur Fire Department

(Columbus, Ohio, March 9, 2026) - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Ohio State Director Charles Tassell today presented a $345,000 check to the Village of McArthur to purchase a new mini-pumper fire truck. The Village of McArthur’s Mayor Steve Hammond and McArthur Fire Department Chief Evan Knox were on hand to accept the check on behalf of the village. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Invests in Johnston County Charter School

A $7 Million Loan from Rural Development Will Fund Neuse Charter School Expansion

(Smithfield, N.C., March 9, 2026) — As part of its commitment to strengthening rural communities, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is investing $7 million through its Community Facilities Loan Program to expand Neuse Charter School in Smithfield, North Carolina.

K-57 Solar Project

Project Description: Flint Hills Rural Electric Cooperative (Flint Hills REC), located in Council Grove, Kansas, has been awarded a New ERA Grant through the USDA Rural Utility Service (RUS) for the construction of a 1 MW solar farm.

Area Footprint (in acres) – In total, the Project area encompasses approximately 15 acres. 
Project Submittal Date: January 2026
Project Approval Date: 3/4/2026
DOE CE Applied: B5.16

USDA Announces Distance Learning Telemedicine Grant with Claiborne County Schools

(Tazewell, Tenn., February 27, 2026) – U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Tennessee State Director Patrick Jaynes today announced a $982,670 Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant with Claiborne County Board of Education. This investment in modern distance learning technology will expand educational opportunities for rural students in Claiborne County. 

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