In southern New Mexico along the Rio Grande and the Texas border, the small City of Anthony is no stranger to the benefits of partnering with USDA Rural Development. The small community of less than 10,000 residents is a designated colonia, making it eligible for grants and loans created specifically for colonia communities.

A colonia refers to a rural community with a population of 25,000 or less located within 150 miles of the United States and Mexico border. A colonia lacks a potable water supply, adequate sewage systems, or sanitary housing.

When Thomas McGinn and his son, Tim, moved from Southern California to the desert of New Mexico in 1980, Thomas was looking for a change. He wanted to get back into farming and get out of his job working in food production for big factories.

He purchased land for a farm and built a home. Eventually, the farm grew to the size it is today, hosting 12,300 pistachio trees and 7,500 grape vines. The farm, officially titled Pistachio Tree Ranch, produces wine and pistachio products on-site and is now known as Pistachioland.

A calming oasis can be hard to find in the gridlock of Northern Virginia, but those who know where to look can take a turn off the beaten path to reach a hidden sanctuary in nearby Culpeper. The Little House at Seek Lavender is a place of comfort and connection that is inspiring people throughout the region to live nature-inspired lives. 

West River’s project proposes the construction of a new electrical 69–12.47/7.2 kV distribution substation. The substation will be connected to a future 69kV transmission line located on the north property boundary to improve electrical delivery reliability for West River customers.

Bodee and his wife Alexandria were anxious to plant roots for their growing family. With a young son, and another one the way, they were ready to have a space of their own. The couple had never owned their own home, moving from rental to rental in Natrona County.

“Homeownership to me epitomizes the American dream to have something to show for all the hard work and sweat that you put into working whatever job you have. Having the ability to hang your hat somewhere you can call yours,” Bodee said.

Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative proposes to rebuild approximately 52 miles and construct 6 new miles of transmission line.  The proposed project will be in Lewis County, Missouri to Lee County, Iowa.

When Eileen Flanagan and John Cochrane moved to Vassalboro, Maine and founded their farm, Junction Garden LLC, they knew they had a lot to learn about diversified agriculture in Maine. As they developed their market farm and growing business, one goal stood out: “We were very clear that we wanted to reduce our carbon footprint and use renewable energy,” says Eileen. 

What is Stand-Alone Rental Assistance?

Decoupling Rental Assistance allows eligible USDA Rural Development Multifamily Housing (MFH) direct loan borrowers to continue receiving long-term rental assistance in exchange for agreeing to preserve and operate their multifamily property as affordable rural housing.

Eligible MFH direct loan borrowers whose loans are reaching natural mortgage maturity can enter into Section 521 Stand-Alone Rental Assistance (SARA) contracts after they have made the final payment on their direct loan.

On Aug. 22, 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development announced it had awarded an $85,000 grant to the United Way of the Capital Region through its Rural Business Development Grants Program.

After a dozen years in her Franklin County home, lifelong Mainer Lucille thought she knew what to expect during bad weather. Therefore, when torrential rains struck Western Maine on June 29, 2023, she wasn’t particularly alarmed at first. Her home is located partway up a hill and not near any significant water source. But the rain sheeted down at up to two inches per hour, and suddenly the water started rising toward her house, something she’d never seen happen before.