The Hatchery Row project in Battle Lake, funded by a $99,000 Rural Business Development Grant, helped to bring much-needed services and housing to a prominent vacation town. The project has marked a significant milestone in revitalizing Battle Lake's downtown and has been critical in increasing housing and retail spaces, essential for maintaining a thriving community and promoting tourism. 

For Andrew Michael Cochran, home is more than just a place—it’s a legacy. At just 23 years old, Andrew made the decision to build his own home through USDA Rural Development’s Mutual Self Help Program, following in the footsteps of his parents, who had done the same when he was a child.

Valley Telecommunications has been providing its members in the Herreid area with quality service for nearly 70 years. The Cooperative strived to deliver the high speed, reliable internet service to its members across McPherson, Edmunds, and Campbell counties. When an underserved area more than 250 miles away in eastern South Dakota was identified, Valley Telecommunications took action.

The expansive landscape of north central South Dakota provides fertile ground for farmers and ranchers. Due to the dry grasslands and warm summers, the area faces an elevated risk of wildfires.

In the event of a wildfire, the 20 volunteers of the Java Fire District depend on its equipment to respond promptly and mitigate the loss of crops and farm equipment.

Katie Hammer, a Loan Specialist with Rural Development’s Community Facilities program, said, "Based on several factors, Java received 35 percent of the truck’s cost as a Community Facilities grant.”

Offices in Tifton and Douglas, Georgia are closed on alternating Thursdays. Phone the offices prior to planning your visit.

The Offices in Blackshear and in Camilla, Georgia are only open at select hours on alternating Thursdays.  Phone the offices prior to planning your visit.

Tifton Area Office (229) 382-0273 ext. 4 | 2406 North Tift Avenue, Suite 103 | Tifton, Ga 31794 THE TIFTON OFFICE IS CLOSED ON ALTERNATING THURSDAYS; PHONE FIRST BEFORE PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Carmen, una residente de mucho tiempo en la tranquila comunidad de Loiza, Puerto Rico, ha experimentado su parte de dificultades. En 1999, Carmen y su difunto esposo compraron su casa con un pequeño préstamo de su suegra. Durante años, la pareja disfrutó de su vida en Loiza. 

“Todo el tiempo bien tranquilo, no se ve nada de agresividad o de problemas ni nada,” dijo Carmen. 

Carmen, a longtime resident of the quiet community of Loiza, Puerto Rico, has experienced her share of hardships. In 1999, Carmen and her late husband purchased their home with a small loan from her mother-in-law. For years, the couple enjoyed their life in Loiza.

“Everything is very quiet all the time; you don’t see aggressiveness or problems, anything at all,” Carmen said.