(Washington, D.C., May 2, 2025) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced the latest slate of presidential appointments for key Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Rural Development (RD) State Director roles. Dane Maxwell has been appointed to serve as State Director for Rural Development in Mississippi.

When storms hit rural communities, oftentimes fewer resources are available to assist them in cleanup efforts. This is the case for the east-central community of Colman with a population of 600 citizens. The city’s budget is tight, leading to stretched-thin resources.

1. Finding of No Significant Impact for the Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative and Palisades Energy LLC Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

1. Finding of No Significant Impact for the Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative and Palisades Energy LLC Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

The proposed project is a 1.5 MW solar farm including access roads, fencing, and associated utilities. The site is approximately 11 acres in size located in Massac County, IL.

Staff assignment name:  Russell Japuntich
Project submittal date: 5/17/2025
Project Approval Date: 7/22/2025
DOE CE Applied: B5.16

PUBLIC NOTICE Area Rural in Character Provision Statutory SEC. 343 [7 U.S.C. 1991] (a)(13)(D) authorizes the Rural Development Under Secretary to, on the petition of a unit of local government, determine that a part of an area be considered rural in character (RIC) and therefore meet Rural Development’s population eligibility requirements. 

This notice must take place no later than 30 days after receipt of the petition or the commencement of the initiative, as appropriate.