The city of Ottawa warmly welcomed its new YMCA facility in May 2024; a testament to community investment and local collaboration aimed at promoting health, wellness, and social engagement. This state-of-the-art facility represents a $27.5 million investment in the community, made possible by a substantial $12.8 million USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan and a re-directed loan through the USDA Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Program. The $1 million REDLG loan was made to Corn Belt Energy who then relent the funds to Ottawa YMCA.  

The remote desert of Southeastern Utah brings a landscape like no other. While towering red rock mesas and sandstone cliffs provide amazing views you see very few people, and an abundance of sunshine. Southeast Utah’s San Juan County is the largest county in Utah, covering over 7,800 square miles. San Juan also holds the driest climate, most extreme weather - and the lowest income in the state.

In northern rural Missouri, 10 counties have faced a continued challenge: safe, affordable drinking water. But that’s about to change.

Thanks in part to Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program (WEP), these 10 counties will no longer wonder if their water will continue flowing from their taps.

SE Municipal Colorado, LLC proposes to construct the Fort Morgan Proposed Solar Farm project.  It would be a solar facility on approximately 21 acres in Morgan County, Colorado. It would be located northeast of the intersection of Barlow Road and County Road R in Morgan County, Colorado (Morgan County Parcel Number 1229-040-14901). 
 
Notice of Availability (NOA) 

Woody Hollow Cooperative in Boscawen, New Hampshire is a 30-lot, resident-owned community that had to face the reality of aging water infrastructure. With a system dating back to the 70s, residents suffered the effects of poor surface drainage, constant leaks and ruptures, and the resulting health and safety concerns. Having exceeded its useful design life, and realizing chronic water loss through deteriorated pipes, the infrastructure required a wholesale update that couldn’t be ignored.

KPP Energy proposes to construct the Wellington Energy Generation Facility project.  It would be a solar facility on approximately 31.52 acres in Sumner County, Kansas. It would be located southeast of the intersection of Southwest Road and East Botkin Street.   

Notice of Availability (NOA) 

After 78 years, Kolbe Windows & Doors in Wausau is still embracing change and finding new ways to save energy and operating expenses. A new megawatt solar array is saving energy while cutting costs at Kolbe Windows & Doors, which is a millwork factory and showroom located in the heart of Wausau.

Rooftops everywhere throughout Wisconsin are proving worth and value in a whole new way. They are significant contributors helping in the hard-fought battle against climate change, providing discreet locations for solar arrays, which reduce operational costs and carbon footprints.

Starting a farming business can be a rewarding venture. However, it requires careful planning, preparation, and access to various skills and resources. This task proved to be especially challenging and rewarding for first-generation business owner and Russian immigrant, Oksana Bocharova. Her story is a true testament of determination, resiliency, perseverance, and faith. 

Submitted by Four Bands Community Fund

Ashley Elk Nation had been living in a single-wide mobile home in Eagle Butte with her two sons for several years. Although she owned the home, her desire to do her best for her children was tugging her towards a safer neighborhood.

"I wanted a better home for my sons," Ashley explains.

When natural disaster strikes, rural communities across America struggle to capitalize on state, federal and nonprofit funding. Local leaders are often unpaid volunteers already donating significant time to various municipal functions, so the extra hours, energy and expertise required to write applications and coordinate projects involved in disaster relief are often difficult to provide.