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                    - (April 4, 2024) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that USDA is inviting applications for grants to strengthen rural cooperatives and expand access to new and better markets for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 3, 2024)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that USDA is inviting applications for grants to strengthen rural cooperatives that serve and are made up of people who are part of socially disadvantaged groups in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 1, 2024) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that USDA is seeking applications to partner with organizations to ensure rural people have access to clean drinking water and modern wastewater systems. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 22, 2024) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural  Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden announced USDA is accepting applications until May 21, 2024, for funding under the  ReConnect Program  |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 21, 2024)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden has announced that USDA will host a workshop on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET for potential applicants of the  Off-Farm Labor Repair Housing Direct Loans & Grants Program  |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 18, 2024) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that the Department is inviting applications for loans and grants to repair, improve or modify existing USDA-financed multifamily housing properties for year-round and seasonal domestic farmworkers. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 5, 2024) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that USDA is  launching an online tool  to make it easier for lenders and stakeholders to provide feedback on proposed policy changes for the  Single Family Housing Loan Guaranteed Program . |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 4, 2024) Today, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced it is extending the application deadline to March 21, 2024, for the Rural Energy for America Technical Assistance Grant Program. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (February 29, 2024) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Dr. Basil Gooden today announced that USDA is inviting applications for grants to help people in rural and Tribal communities access remote education and health care. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (February 13, 2024) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting Under Secretary Roger Glendenning today announced that USDA is seeking applications to implement regional economic and community development projects to create thriving communities for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 17, 2024) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help agricultural producers maximize the value of their products and venture into new and better markets.|  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 2, 2024) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that USDA is accepting grant applications for community-driven programs that will help create high-wage jobs and new businesses in underserved rural communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (December 20, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced several leadership appointments including a new Agency Chief of Staff, Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator, Senior Advisor for Communications and External Engagement, and Senior Advisor. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (December 14, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced that USDA is expanding eligibility for Tribes under the  Rural Business Development Grants  program. This program creates jobs, spurs economic growth and supports enterprise projects in rural and Tribal communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 12, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will host a series of listening sessions this winter. The agencies invite perspectives on the benefits and challenges of the rapidly increasing levels of clean energy being sited on agricultural lands and in rural communities.|  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (December 5, 2023) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced today that it is accepting applications to advance economic development and create jobs for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (November 29, 2023) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced that it is partnering with the University of Kentucky to evaluate impacts of the agency’s loan and grant programs that support regional food systems and strengthen the U.S food supply chain. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (November 16, 2023) On National Rural Health Day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)   	today announced its partnership with the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) to provide technical   	assistance to rural hospitals across the nation. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (November 1, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host a listening session on Nov. 7 at 2:00 p.m. ET to invite feedback on key proposed changes and updates to the Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 24, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that USDA is extending the application deadline to Nov. 7, 2023, for the High Energy Cost Grants program. The original deadline was Oct. 31.|  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (October 5, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host a webinar on Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m. ET for organizations seeking grants to help restore community facilities in rural areas damaged by natural disasters in 2022. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 3, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today issued a USDA proclamation recognizing October 2023 as National Cooperative Month to celebrate the vital role cooperatives play in improving economic opportunities and  	advancing equity in America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 2, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced that the Department is accepting applications for grants to help private nonprofit organizations improve water treatment and waste disposal systems by providing technical assistance to people in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (October 2, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced that the department is accepting grant applications to improve solid waste management, which will help reduce water pollution for people in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 28, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced that USDA, on Oct. 1, 2023, will begin using the most recently released data from the U.S. Census Bureau to determine program eligibility for Rural Development programs. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 14, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that the  	Department is seeking applications from local lenders for funding to help create jobs and improve economic  	conditions for people in rural communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (September 14, 2023) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced  	that the Department is accepting applications for funding to help create jobs and promote economic growth in  	rural communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (September 14, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that USDA  	is accepting applications for loans and grants to expand access to new and better markets for rural small  	business owners and microentrepreneurs. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (September 1, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that USDA is seeking applications from energy providers to lower costs for people in rural areas. The grants will help providers offset costs for people whose household energy expenses total 275% of the national average or higher. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (August 14, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development and the University of Kentucky will host a webinar on Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. ET. The webinar will help rural leaders learn about creative placemaking approaches to help improve the lives of people in small, rural communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (August 9, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development today announced that it is inviting proposals to evaluate the impact of the agency’s grant and loan programs on regional food supply chains. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (August 1, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) program to include public-private partnerships. USDA and Reinvestment Fund will invite applications for the Local and Regional Healthy Food Financing Partnerships Program (HFFI Partnerships Program) from August 1 to November 3. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (July 27, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Andy Berke today announced that USDA will begin accepting Letters of Interest (LOI) on July 31, 2023, from rural cooperatives seeking financial assistance to deploy renewable energy systems in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (July 19, 2023) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Dr. Karama Neal today announced that USDA is extending to July 29 the public comment period for projects eligible to receive grants to increase fertilizer production. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (July 5, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is allowing applicants more time to submit letters of interest for the Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) program. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (July 5, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced key information to help rural lenders apply for loan programs under the OneRD Guarantee Loan Initiative in Fiscal Year 2024. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 16, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced key updates and clarifications for financial assistance programs that will advance clean, affordable and reliable energy in rural America.|  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 15, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA will host listening sessions on July 19 and July 25. USDA is seeking feedback on a proposal to make changes to programs that will help improve and maintain rural rental housing and keep tenants in their homes. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 6, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today hosted the 2023 National Lender of the Year Awards Ceremony to recognize the work of its top national lending partners to support rural homeownership in 2022. These lenders helped rural families and individuals buy homes nationwide last year through USDA Rural Development’s  Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program . |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (May 30, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Rural Utilities  	Service Administrator Andy Berke today announced that USDA will host a series of webinars to help  	organizations learn how to apply for financial assistance to advance clean, affordable and reliable electric energy in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (May 30, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under  	Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is offering grants to regional consortiums to find innovative solutions to longstanding wastewater issues in underserved rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (May 24, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is inviting comments on a proposal to expand eligibility for Tribes under the  Rural Business Development Grants  program. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (May 18, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary of Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA will host a series of webinars on two new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) programs. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (May 18, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is making $7.5 million in loan funding available under the Native Community Development Financial Institutions (NCDFI) Relending Demonstration program. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (May 12, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary of Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA will host a series of webinars on two new Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) programs. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (May 10, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today invited applications for partnerships to ensure rural people have access to clean drinking water and modern wastewater systems. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (May 4, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants that will improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas around the country. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (May 4, 2023)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the Department is accepting applications for technical assistance grants to preserve rental housing and expand access to safe, affordable and equitable housing for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (May 2, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to improve health care for people living in persistent poverty counties in the Delta region. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (April 27, 2023)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA and the University of Kentucky will host a conference on Tuesday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time, on expanding access to placemaking resources for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (April 26, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is inviting applications for grants to strengthen rural cooperatives and expand access to new and better markets for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (April 21, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the Department is accepting applications to help rural communities expand their capacity to access financial resources to help build or upgrade essential community facilities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 19, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced the availability of funding for grants to help repair or rehabilitate homes, rental properties or co-ops occupied by low- and very-low-income rural residents. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 27, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced two virtual events that will provide updates on funding available under the  Rural Energy for America Program  (REAP) after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).|  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 27, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced USDA is launching a  resource guide  to help colleges and universities in rural areas find low-interest loans and grants to build or improve their facilities, infrastructure, equipment and educational programs. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 20, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to build community-oriented, high-speed internet networks for people in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (March 17, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is making $31 million in grants available to help farmers and ranchers access new and better markets by adding more value to their products. |   Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 17, 2023) USDA Seeks Applications for Grants to Help Socially Disadvantaged Agricultural Producers and Business Owners in Rural Areas |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (March 1, 2023) USDA Rural Development (RD) today published a  Build America, Buy America (BABAA) Customer Guide  to help organizations receiving RD financial assistance comply with BABAA and its requirements for their projects. The guide will help people determine if their project is subject to BABAA and explain how to document compliance.|  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (February 7, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the inaugural National Biobased Products Day will be observed on March 8, 2023. The annual observance is intended to raise awareness of biobased products, their benefits and contributions to the U.S. economy |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 25, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is hosting Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) roundtables. USDA will seek more input on how to provide IRA funding through USDA Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service programs and advance clean energy for people in rural America. These roundtables follow listening sessions, a Tribal consultation and a written comment period that USDA made available in 2022. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 23, 2023) USDA Rural Development’s (RD) implementation waiver for the Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) will expire on Feb. 3, 2023. After that date, all non-Federal organizations receiving RD financial assistance for infrastructure projects will be required to exclusively use iron, steel, manufactured products and construction materials manufactured in the United States.  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (January 20, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting grant applications for community-driven programs that will help create high-wage jobs and new businesses in underserved rural communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 19, 2023) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it will create a plan to expand recreation economies to help people thrive across rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 19, 2023) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications to enhance the operation of rural transportation systems. These investments in rural transportation systems build opportunities and prosperity for the people who live in rural communities by connecting them to economic resources they may not otherwise be able to access. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 16, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack yesterday announced that the department is making $300 million available under the  Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)  to expand renewable energy and support energy-efficiency projects for people living in rural America. This funding includes $250 million provided by the Biden-Harris Administration’s historic legislative package known as the Inflation Reduction Act. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 5, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to establish and operate  Agriculture Innovation Centers (AIC) . AICs provide technical and business development assistance to agricultural producers seeking to market or produce value-added products.|  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 1, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting grant applications for the  Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) program  to help people in rural and tribal communities access remote education and health care resources. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (November 23, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications to support economic development and create jobs for people in rural America. USDA is making this funding available under the  Rural Business Development Grant program  to support business opportunities or business enterprise projects in rural communities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally recognized Tribes, public institutions of higher education and non-profit cooperatives. |   Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (November 16, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA  is awarding $4 million in cooperative agreements to 17 organizations  under the  Rural Placemaking Innovation Challenge (RPIC) . Placemaking is a collaborative planning and technical assistance process that helps leaders from rural communities create quality places where people will want to live, work, visit and learn. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (November 7, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is seeking applications to implement regional economic and community development projects to create thriving communities for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (October 28, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is seeking public input on how to use Inflation Reduction Act funding to advance clean energy for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 18, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the department is accepting applications for grants to help improve water treatment and waste disposal systems for rural people living in manufactured homes by providing technical assistance and training. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (October 4, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack issued a USDA  proclamation  recognizing October 2022 as National Cooperative Month and celebrating the vital role that cooperatives play in improving economic opportunities and the quality of life in America. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (October 3, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the department is accepting applications for grants to help private nonprofit organizations improve water treatment and waste disposal systems for people in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 3, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the department is accepting grant applications to reduce water pollution in rural areas through improvements to solid waste management.  |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (August 31, 2022) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the Department is accepting applications for funding to help create jobs and economic growth in rural communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (August 31, 2022) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the Department is accepting applications for loan and grants to help rural microenterprises connect to new markets and create prosperity. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (August 31, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is seeking applications for funding to establish revolving loan programs to support rural businesses and community development projects. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 30, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for cooperative agreements to help eligible entities provide planning, training and technical assistance to foster placemaking activities in rural and Tribal communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (June 21, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants from qualified nonprofit organizations to create revolving loan funds and provide sub-grants to help rural homeowners finance individually-owned household water well and wastewater systems. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (June 21, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 applications for grants to create revolving loan funds to build and improve water and wastewater disposal systems in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 8, 2022) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today hosted the 2022 National Lender of the Year Awards Ceremony to recognize it’s the work of its top three national lending partners to support rural homeownership in 2021. These three lenders helped rural families and individuals buy homes nationwide last year through USDA Rural Development’s  Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program.  |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (May 26, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to help owners of rental housing repair and rehabilitate their units, if they make them available for low- and very-low-income rural residents. USDA is providing the funding through the  Housing Preservation Grant program . |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (May 13, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to improve health care for people facing persistent poverty in the Delta region. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 27, 2022) USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small on Dec. 10, 2021, announced the Department is expanding access to four loan guarantee programs that provide funding to help rural communities create jobs and improve local infrastructure. This expansion continues the Department’s regulatory reforms to make it easier for communities and lenders to access USDA funding. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 21, 2022) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is seeking applications for funding to increase the supply of affordable housing for farmworkers. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 19, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA and the University of Kentucky are inviting rural leaders across the country to attend the  Placemaking for Small and Rural Communities Online Conference  on May 23-24. Rural communities, placemaking technical assistance providers and philanthropic entities interested in supporting rural placemaking efforts are encouraged to register for this two-day conference. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 15, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced the Department is extending to May 19 the application deadline for grants to advance equity in rural communities, which will create new opportunities in distressed communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 14, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the Department is seeking applications for grants that will help create jobs and business opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 6, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the department is accepting applications for grants to help start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses.|  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (March 28, 2022) USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that Kellie Kubena has been designated to serve as USDA's Rural Health Liaison, a position created by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill. The role is administered by the USDA Rural Development Innovation Center. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 25, 2022) USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced the Department is seeking applications to improve or repair off-farm labor housing. These improvements will ensure farmworkers continue to have equitable access to safe, affordable places to live. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 15, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced the Department is inviting applications for a program to help property owners make improvements to rural multi-family and farmworker housing properties financed by USDA. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 15, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA has awarded a $260,000 cooperative agreement to the University of Kentucky to expand access to placemaking resources that will create more livable and vibrant communities for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 14, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the Department is accepting applications to help rural communities expand their capacity to access financial resources to support the construction or upgrade of essential community facilities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 9, 2022) USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced the Department is seeking applications to improve or repair off-farm labor housing. These improvements will ensure farmworkers continue to have equitable access to safe, affordable places to live. |  Stakeholder Announcement  	(March 1, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help farmers and ranchers create economic prosperity by maximizing the value of the items they produce. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (February 10, 2022) USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small on Dec. 10, 2021, announced the Department is expanding access to four loan guarantee programs that provide funding to help rural communities create jobs and improve local infrastructure. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (February 8, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants that will advance equity in rural communities through improvements in housing, community facilities, and community and economic development. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 20, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the Department is inviting applications for technical assistance grants to help organizations apply for funding to develop decent, safe, affordable and equitable housing for year-round and migrant or seasonal domestic farmworkers. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 14, 2022) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications to enhance the operation of rural transportation systems. These investments in rural transportation build opportunity and prosperity for the people who live in rural communities by connecting them to economic resources they may not otherwise be able to access. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (December 23, 2021)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the Department is accepting applications for loans to support economic development and create jobs for people in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 21, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that the Department is increasing the maximum loan amount to $400,000 under the  Intermediary Relending Program . This change is in accordance with provisions in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill). |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (December 20, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced the Department is accepting grant applications that will advance equity in rural America by creating new opportunities in distressed communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 13, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is inviting applications under the Biofuel Producer Program authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 10, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural  	Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to assist in  	the preservation of affordable rural rental housing.|  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 10, 2021) USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today  	announced the Department is expanding access to four loan guarantee programs that provide funding to help  	rural communities create jobs and improve local infrastructure. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (UPDATED November 22, 2021) USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today  	announced that the department is accepting applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy  	systems; and to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and provide development  	assistance. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (November 10, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural  	Development Xochitl Torres Small has announced that USDA is inviting applications for at least $4 million in  	grants to improve access to healthy foods while creating jobs for people in underserved rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 29, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack on Oct. 28 issued a USDA proclamation to recognize October 2021 as National Cooperative Month and to celebrate the vital role that cooperatives play in improving economic opportunities and the quality of life in America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 26, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural  	Development Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is seeking applications to implement projects  	supported by regional economic and community development planning to help the people of rural America  	build back better. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 8, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced today that it is  	seeking public comments on a new initiative designed to create revenue streams for agricultural producers  	through market opportunities for commodities produced using climate-smart practices. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 8, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will establish  	an Equity Commission and is requesting nominations for membership on the Equity Commission Advisory  	Committee and Equity Commission Subcommittee on Agriculture. The notice represents an important step  	towards implementing President Biden’s commitment to create an Equity Commission and the American  	Rescue Plan Act provision that directs USDA to “address historical discrimination and disparities in the  	agriculture sector... [through] one or more equity commissions to address racial equity issues within USDA and  	its programs.” |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 7, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is  	accepting grant applications to reduce water pollution in rural areas by improving solid waste management. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 7, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is  	accepting applications for grants to improve water treatment and waste disposal systems in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 28, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is accepting applications to support economic development and create jobs for people in rural America. USDA is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant program for eligible entities to support business opportunity and enterprise projects in rural communities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, public institutions of higher education and non-profit cooperatives. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 15, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary  	for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA will begin accepting applications on Friday,  	Oct. 1, 2021, to expand the production of advanced biofuels. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (September 10, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is seeking public comment on a  direct final rule  to help expand access to capital to deploy broadband infrastructure in rural areas. The changes apply to USDA’s  Telecommunications Infrastructure Loans and Loan Guarantees  program and are in accordance with the provisions of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the Farm Bill). |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 9, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA Rural Development will give funding priority for projects to address some of the top challenges in rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 7, 2021)  United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary  	for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the department is accepting loan and grant  	applications for projects that create jobs and economic growth in rural communities.|  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (August 24, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the Department is seeking input on ways to better help rural businesses and agricultural producers develop and market new products. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (August 24, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the Department is seeking input on ways to make it easier for nonprofit groups and other organizations to help businesses form cooperatives. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (August 24, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the Department is seeking input on ways to make it easier for rural businesses to produce and market value-added agricultural products. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (July 30, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural  	Development Justin Maxson today announced that the department is accepting applications for loan and grants  	to support rural microenterprises. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (July 26, 2021) USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the department is accepting applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems; and to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and provide development assistance. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (July 23, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the Department is extending the COVID-19 Special Relief Measure for USDA’s Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan borrowers. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (July 16, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is hosting listening sessions on July 22 and Aug. 3, 2021, to solicit feedback from State Historic Preservation Offices on ways to improve USDA Rural Development’s environmental review process. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 28, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is accepting applications for grants to establish and operate Agriculture Innovation Centers. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 23, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is seeking applications for grants under the  Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant program . |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (June 22, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is hosting a listening session on June 29, 2021, to solicit feedback from tribal applicants on ways to improve USDA Rural Development’s (RD) environmental review process. USDA is encouraging the feedback from Federally recognized Tribes and tribal organizations that apply for, or have received, funding from one or more RD programs. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (June 22, 2021) Justin Maxson today announced Charles Stephens has been selected to serve as Assistant Administrator for Water and Environmental Programs. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (June 16, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today hosted the 2021 National Lender of the Year Awards Ceremony to recognize its top three national lending partners and their work to support rural homeownership in 2020. These three lenders helped 10,878 rural families and individuals buy homes nationwide last year through USDA Rural Development’s  Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program . |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 11, 2021)  USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that the department is accepting applications for grants to help start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses in rural America.|  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 8, 2021) Citing lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent supply chain disruptions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to invest more than $4 billion to strengthen critical supply chains through the Build Back Better initiative. The new effort will strengthen the food system, create new market opportunities, tackle the climate crisis, help communities that have been left behind, and support good-paying jobs throughout the supply chain.  |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (June 4, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is seeking applications for grants from qualified organizations to create loans to help rural homeowners finance household water systems. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (June 3, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is accepting Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 applications for grants to create revolving loan funds to build and improve water and wastewater disposal systems in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 2, 2021) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to make housing repairs for low- and very-low-income rural residents. The grants are being provided through USDA’s  Housing Preservation Grant program . |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (May 27, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is accepting applications for eligible entities to provide planning, training and technical assistance to rural communities to foster placemaking activities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (May 20,2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is accepting applications for grants to improve health care in the Delta region. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (May 14, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it has implemented a series of actions to make it easier for very small rural businesses to get access to capital. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (May 5, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to offset high energy costs in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 28, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is hosting a consultation on May 4, 2021, for elected leaders of federally recognized tribes, or their proxies, to solicit input on ways to implement new, emergency health care grants in tribal communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 15, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced it is hosting a listening session on April 20, 2021, to solicit ideas on ways to help expand broadband access in tribal communities under the  Reconnect Program . |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 5, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced  	that it is accepting applications for  Distance Learning and Telemedicine  (DLT) program grants to help provide  	educational and medical services in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (April 1, 2021) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural  	Development Justin Maxson today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to improve rural  	transportation systems. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 17, 2021) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is increasing funding limits for loans financed under the  Revolving Fund Program  to support water and wastewater infrastructure projects in rural America. This improvement is in accordance with provisions in the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill). |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 9, 2021) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to  	help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will  	keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve  	rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (March 5, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is making an additional $35 million available this year in the  Value-Added Producer Grant Program  to support agricultural producers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is made possible through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. In total, $76 million is available. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (February 26, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that USDA is seeking comments on a final rule to expand broadband service in rural areas by simplifying program requirements to make more companies eligible to participate in USDA’s ReConnect Program |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (February 4, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is accepting applications to support economic development and create jobs in rural America. USDA is making this funding available under the Rural Business Development Grant program for eligible entities to support business opportunity and enterprise projects in rural communities. Eligible entities are rural towns, communities, state agencies, authorities, nonprofits, federally-recognized tribes, institutes of higher education and cooperatives. |   Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (February 2, 2021) The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced that it is seeking applications for funding to increase the supply of affordable housing for farm workers. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 29, 2021) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 21, 2021) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 11, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today invited applications for grants to help rural communities expand their capacity to access financial resources and build prosperity. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 11, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it is seeking applications to fund projects that prioritize strategic investments that grow the economy and build prosperity in rural communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 11, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking grant applications for projects to improve housing, community facilities, and community and economic development in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (January 6, 2021) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today invited new members to join a national network of public-private partners to help create and improve access to jobs in America’s rural towns and communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 31, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced the following leadership changes: |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 30, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (December 29, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 21, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to increase U.S. ethanol and biodiesel sales.  |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 21, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today invited applications for grants to help agricultural producers and small rural businesses develop and market new products. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 16, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today invited applications for loan and grants to support rural microenterprises. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 15, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA partnered with 181 commercial lenders to invest $2.1 billion in rural communities and businesses in fiscal year (FY) 2020. Below is a list of USDA Rural Development’s top commercial lending partners during fiscal year FY 2020. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 15, 2020)  United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today invited applications from utilities to help rural families and small businesses make cost-saving energy efficiency improvements. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (December 4, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking applications for funding to establish revolving loan programs to support rural businesses and community development projects.  |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (November 25, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that Scott Barringer has been selected to serve as Acting Assistant Administrator of Water & Environmental Programs (WEP) following the departure of Edna Primrose. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (November 24, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today invited applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems; and to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and provide development assistance. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 30, 2020)  USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 19, 2020)  United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA has signed cooperative agreements with five organizations to support placemaking technical assistance throughout the United States.   |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (October 5, 2020)  United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants under a pilot program to help develop innovative treatment solutions of regional wastewater systems in rural America.  |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 28, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA has partnered with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to invest $2.2 million in grants to support the construction of and operating expenses for domestic violence shelters that allow individuals to bring their pets with them when escaping dangerous situations. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 28, 2020)  United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that  USDA has launched a webpage  to notify the public when the Department has received applications from rural electric cooperatives and utilities for loans and loan guarantees in which up to 10 percent of the funds will be used to deploy broadband service. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 24, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is accepting applications to provide broadband service in unserved rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 23, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA will begin accepting applications on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, to expand the production of advanced biofuel by providing payments to eligible producers.  |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 18, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that the department is accepting applications for funding to develop, construct or retrofit commercial-scale biorefineries.   |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 14, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that the department is accepting applications for grants for projects that promote economic development and job creation in rural areas.  |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (September 14, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA released a final rule to allow the use of funds under select programs to help expand access to broadband services for America’s rural businesses and residents.  |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (September 9, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 4, 2020) United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has ordered a halt in residential evictions through Dec. 31, 2020, to tenants meeting certain criteria in USDA multi-family housing properties. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (September 1, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (August 28, 2020)  USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.  |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (August 10, 2020) The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting applications to help rural communities enhance capacity for broadband access; preserve cultural and historic structures; and support the development of transportation, housing, and recreational spaces. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (August 5, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (July 28, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today named Elizabeth “Beth” Green Acting Administrator of the Rural Housing Service following the retirement of former Administrator Bruce Lammers. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (July 22, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking feedback to launch a new program to help create high-wage jobs in rural communities and strengthen regional economies. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    -  (July 15, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today named Rebeckah Freeman Adcock Administrator of the Rural Business-Cooperative Service. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (July 14, 2020)  USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced Cathy Glover has been selected to serve as Deputy Administrator of Single Family Housing following the retirement of Roger Glendenning. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (July 8, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (July 2, 2020)  USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that the department is accepting applications for grants to help start, expand or improve rural cooperatives and other mutually-owned businesses in rural America.  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (July 1, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 26, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 25,2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help socially disadvantaged groups develop business and strategic plans in rural areas. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 23, 2020) USDA Rural Development employees currently working in the Goodfellow Federal Center in St. Louis will be relocating to office space at One Metropolitan Square, 211 N. Broadway, Saint Louis, MO 63102-2711. USDA expects the office relocation to be complete by July 2021. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 23, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service Administrator Bruce W. Lammers today announced the selection of the National Multi-Family Housing Site Managers and Maintenance Person of the Year for 2020. Awards were presented virtually this afternoon at the annual conference of the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing (CARH).  |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (June 23, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced USDA extended foreclosure and eviction moratorium for all Single Family Housing Direct Home Loans through Aug. 31, 2020. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 19, 2020) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced latest advancement by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support the new Uniform Residential Loan Application (URLA). | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 19, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced USDA extended foreclosure and eviction moratorium for all Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) loans through Aug.31, 2020. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 28, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 19, 2020)  Statement from U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe: “The Small Business Administration (SBA) has issued an interim final rule that clarifies the eligibility of electric cooperatives for the Paycheck Protection Program. Electric cooperatives that are 501(c)(12) eligible are approved to access the program by the SBA. Furthermore, USDA has approved usage of the Paycheck Protection Program provided electric cooperatives notify the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) if they end up using that resource. They do not need pre-approval to do so. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (May 18, 2020)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA has published a final rule to expand the production of renewable chemicals and biobased manufactured products. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 7, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 4, 2020)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today released a summary of key service changes to increase the use of telehealth in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (April 29, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses, and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. Visit www.rd.usda.gov/coronavirus for information on Rural Development loan payment assistance, application deadline extensions, and more. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 24, 2020) USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation Bill Northey and Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today held a joint announcement to provide guidance from the respective agencies on the resources provided in the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (HR.266) recently passed by Congress and signed into law by President Trump. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 23, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 22, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA has received 172 applications requesting $1.57 billion in the second round of the ReConnect Pilot Program. The applications seek funding to provide or upgrade rural broadband service across 41 states.  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 21, 2020) USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is temporarily deferring payment for borrowers participating in the USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan program due to the COVID-19 pandemic. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 16, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 14, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA has opened a second application window for funding under the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 8, 2020)  USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 8, 2020)  USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is expanding servicing options for guaranteed lenders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 2, 2020)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking applications from utilities and energy efficiency entities to help rural families and small businesses reduce energy costs through energy efficiency improvements. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 1, 2020) USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 31, 2020) USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is granting lenders a temporary exception to offer payment deferrals for Agency guaranteed loan programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 30, 2020)  United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA has extended the deadline for ReConnect Pilot Program applications to April 15, 2020. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 30, 2020) USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Bette Brand today announced that USDA is granting lenders temporary exceptions pertaining to appraisals, repair inspections and income verification for the Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective immediately, the following exceptions to Agency guidance found at HB-1-3555 are in effect for a period of 60-days. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (March 27, 2020) USDA Rural Development has launched a COVID-19 resource page to keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated on actions taken by the Agency to help rural residents, businesses, and communities impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 25, 2020)  USDA Rural Development has taken a number of immediate actions to help rural residents, businesses and communities affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. Rural Development will keep our customers, partners, and stakeholders continuously updated as more actions are taken to better serve rural America.  | Stakeholder Announcement | Anuncio de partes interesadas 
                    -  (March 23, 2020)  Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to make housing repairs for low- and very-low-income rural residents. The grants are being provided through USDA’s Housing Preservation Grant program. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (March 20, 2020) USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is working to ensure the safety, security and health of the public and our employees while continuing to provide excellent customer service. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 20, 2020) USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) is working to ensure the safety, security and health of the public and our employees while continuing to provide excellent customer service. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 20, 2020)  At USDA Rural Development, we are taking steps to continue to serve our customers and stakeholders. Rural Development staff who administer Single-Family Housing Direct Loan & Grant Programs are providing this guidance to reassure the public, our self-help grantees, approved intermediaries, packagers, funding partners, real estate professionals and other interested stakeholders of our continued business operations in this evolving environment.  | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (March 19, 2020) The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to monitor the effects that COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is having on the multi-family housing community and offers the following updates:  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 19, 2020) The purpose of this announcement is to inform lenders of a foreclosure and eviction moratorium for all USDA Single-Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program (SFHGLP) loans for a period of 60 days, in connection with the Presidentially declared COVID-19 National Emergency. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 12, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is accepting Fiscal Year 2020 applications for grants to create revolving loan funds to build and improve water and wastewater disposal systems in rural areas. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 6, 2020)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural	Development Bette Brand today announced USDA has submitted the JOINT REPORT in response to	SECTION 6212 of the 2018 FARM BILL to Congress. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 5, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is accepting Fiscal Year 2020 applications for grants to increase access to clean, reliable water for rural households. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (March 4, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand today announced that USDA is accepting Fiscal Year 2020 applications for grants to help strengthen the rural economy. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 4, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand announced Mark Brodziski is now serving as Acting Administrator of Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS). | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (Feb. 28, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA is providing funds to rural projects that support regional economic and community development planning. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (Feb. 28, 2020) Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) intends to make available up to $100 million in competitive grants for activities designed to expand the sale and use of renewable fuels. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (Feb. 27, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to offset high energy costs in rural areas. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (Feb. 20, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA is making $7.5 million in grants available through the Community Facilities Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program to help rural communities continue their recovery from the devastating effects of hurricanes, fires, tornadoes, floods and other natural disasters. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (Feb. 20, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA is accepting Fiscal Year 2020 applications for grants to help rural communities expand their capacity to access financial resources for economic development.| Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (February 14, 2020)  U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to improve rural transportation systems. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (February 14, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that Betty-Ann Bryce has been designated to serve as USDA’s Rural Health Liaison, a position created by Congress in the 2018 Farm Bill.  | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (February 11, 2020) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help increase access to education, training and health care resources in rural communities. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (December 20, 2019) Deputy Under Secretary Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced staff changes at USDA Rural Development.  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (December 11, 2019) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help farmers, ranchers and producer-based businesses nationwide develop new products and expand marketing opportunities. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 7, 2019) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced funding for organizations to provide technical assistance and training to socially-disadvantaged cooperatives in rural areas.  Through the Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grants Program (SDGG), USDA is awarding a total of $3 million to 21 organizations in 15 states and the District of Columbia. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 7,2019) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced funding to provide technical assistance and training to rural cooperatives.   Through the Rural Cooperative Development Grants program, USDA is awarding a total of $5.8 million to 30 organizations in 21 states and the District of Columbia to help small businesses retain and create jobs in rural areas. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 16, 2019) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA is accepting applications for technical assistance grants to help rural businesses market value-added agricultural products. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 15, 2019) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that USDA published a final rule to eliminate the requirement to publish an annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program, commonly known in the housing industry as Section 538. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 15, 2019) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced the Department is accepting applications for loan guarantees to develop, construct and retrofit commercial scale biorefineries to develop advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, or biobased products. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 3, 2019) U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy today announced that in accordance with the provisions of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (the Farm Bill), USDA is changing rural population limits, fees and funding priorities for some loan guarantee programs administered through the Rural Housing Service and the Rural Utilities Service. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (September 13, 2019) USDA Rural Housing Service Administrator Bruce Lammers today announced an industry forum scheduled for September 19, 2019 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time to learn more about recent changes to the Section 504 Single Family Housing Repair Loan and Grant Program | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (August 30, 2019) Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Bette Brand today invited applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems; to make energy efficiency improvements, conduct energy audits and provide development assistance. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (July 24, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to promote rural economic development and job creation projects. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (July 16, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture received 15 applications requesting $258 million in loans in the first round of the ReConnect Pilot Program. |Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (July 9, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is partnering with 12 rural communities in 10 states to support opioid misuse treatment, prevention and recovery services. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (July 8, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is seeking applications for loans and grants to build new farm labor housing projects or to purchase and rehabilitate non-RD property for farm labor housing. The funding is  being provided through USDA’s Farm Labor Housing loans and grants programs. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 28, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA has simplified income eligibility, asset rules and area loan limit determinations for the Department’s single-family housing loan programs. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 24, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development received 53 applications requesting more than $635 million in loan-grant combination funding in the first round of the ReConnect Pilot Program. USDA made $200 million available for loan-grant combination projects in the first round of funding. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (June 3, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) received 78 applications requesting more than $522 million in grant-only funding in the first round of the ReConnect Pilot Program. USDA has $200 million available for grant-only projects in this round of funding. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 24, 2019) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to make housing repairs for low- and very-low-income rural residents. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 30, 2019) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced some key leadership changes and appointments for the National Office. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 29, 2019) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to offset high energy costs in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 8, 2019) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants under USDA’s Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG).   | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 8, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help socially disadvantaged groups develop business and strategic plans in rural areas. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 1, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help rural communities expand their capacity to access financial resources for economic development. Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 29, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA Rural Development will begin accepting the first round of applications for the Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect Program) on April 23, 2019, through reconnect.usda.gov. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 27, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to improve rural transportation systems. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 27, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that USDA is making grants available under the Rural Community Development Initiative program for qualified intermediaries to provide assistance to help improve housing and community facilities, and to implement community and economic development projects in rural areas. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 26, 2019) Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced Chad Rupe will serve as the Acting Administrator for USDA’s Rural Utilities Service.|  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (March 8, 2019) USDA Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley today announced that on Thursday, March 14, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. EDT, USDA Rural Development will conduct a listening session webinar to listen to questions and comments from the partners, stakeholders and customers who will be affected by the implementation of the 2018 Farm Bill. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (February 26, 2019) USDA Rural Utilities Service Acting Administrator Bette Brand today announced that USDA has extended application deadlines for the Rural eConnectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect Program). |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (February 11, 2019) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA and four of its partners are accepting applications from rural communities and regions for technical assistance to implement economic development planning projects. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (February 6, 2019) Rural Utilities Service Acting Administrator Bette Brand today announced the extension of the application deadlines for the ReConnect program. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (December 19, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the certification of two new Rural Business Investment Companies under USDA’s Rural Business Investment Program. |  Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (December 17, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced a proposal to eliminate the requirement to publish an annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Guaranteed Rural Rental Housing Program, commonly known in the housing industry as Section 538.  | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (December 13, 2018)  Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that Bette Brand, the Administrator for USDA’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), will serve temporarily as the Acting Administrator for USDA’s Rural Utilities Service while remaining Administrator of RBS. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 23, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today issued a proposal to complete USDA-financed infrastructure projects more quickly. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 20, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced today that USDA is increasing by $250 the fees for certified loan packagers in the Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program and the Single Family Housing Repair Loan and Grant program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 15, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced today that USDA is accepting applications for loans and loan guarantees to extend access to broadband services in rural communities. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (November 15, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is seeking Fiscal Year 2019 applications for projects that promote economic development and create jobs in rural areas. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 24, 2018) USDA Announces Improvements to Online Tool to Help Customers Better Assess Eligibility for the Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 9, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the appointment of Jacqueline Ponti-Lazaruk as the agency’s Chief Innovation Officer. Ponti-Lazaruk will build upon the Innovation Center’s successful first year and grow its ability to drive solutions that improve program delivery and the quality of life in rural America. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 9, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is seeking comments on a proposal to simplify income eligibility and asset rules for the Department’s single family housing loan programs. Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (September 12, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to repair water and wastewater systems damaged by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (August 29, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to increase access to health care under USDA’s Delta Health Care Services Grant program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (August 24, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is inviting organizations to join a national network of public-private partners to support rural workforce development and skills management. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (August 17, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced today that USDA is seeking applications to provide cooperative agreement funding through the Rural Economic Development Innovation (REDI) initiative. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (August 14, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today invited applications for loan guarantees and grants for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvement projects. | Stakeholder Announcement  
                    -  (August 3, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is accepting applications for funding under the Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (July 18, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA has simplified the application process for lenders applying for guarantees through two key businesses programs. Lenders can now use the same loan guarantee application form for the Business and Industry (B&I) loan guarantee program and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), regardless of the loan amount. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 27, 2018) – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is seeking pre-applications for Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans and Grants for Fiscal Year 2018. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 25, 2018) – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the appointment of Joby Young as Chief of Staff of USDA Rural Development. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 25, 2018) – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to make housing repairs for low- and very-low-income rural residents. The grants are being provided through USDA’s Housing Preservation Grant program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 21, 2018) Department of Agriculture Rural Housing Service Administrator Joel Baxley today announced the selection of the National Multi-Family Housing Site Managers and Maintenance Person of the Year for 2018. The awards were presented in front of Rural Development staff and family members of the winners at the Council for Affordable and Rural Housing’s (CARH) Annual Meeting. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 13, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett on Tuesday convened lender and financial partners at the Rural Development National Lender Forum to strengthen public-private partnerships and expand access to capital in rural communities using a OneRD approach. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  May 30, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced today that USDA is seeking applications for grants under the Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 30, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced today that USDA is seeking applications for grants under USDA's Rural Cooperative Development Grant program (RCDG). | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 23, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced today that USDA has made the first disbursement of loan funds under the Community Facilities (CF) Re-Lending program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 22, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is seeking applications for projects that promote economic development and create jobs in rural areas. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 10, 2018) Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is seeking applications for projects that support multi-jurisdictional plans under the Strategic Economic and Community Development (SECD) program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 7, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced Claudette Fernandez will serve as the Chief Innovation Officer of the Rural Development Innovation Center. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 3, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help rural communities develop locally-based solutions and access financial resources to build economic prosperity. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 26, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to support economic development in rural communities. | Stakeholder Announcements 
                    -  (April 20, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is accepting applications to encourage the use of renewable biomass as an alternative for fossil fuels to operate eligible biorefineries. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 17, 2018) - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced that USDA is accepting applications for loans under its long-standing Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee Program to extend broadband infrastructure in eligible rural communities.  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 3, 2018) - USDA and private lenders are working together to expand financing options for rural water and wastewater projects. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 21, 2018) - The proposed ineligible area maps for the Rural Development Single Family Housing and Multi-Family Housing programs have been posted to the USDA Income and Property Eligibility Site at https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 16, 2018) - Innovation Center Hosts Stakeholders to Share Innovative Ideas to Bring Prosperity Back to Rural Communities. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 15, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today invited applications for loan guarantees and grants for Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvement Projects. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (March 9, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced three leadership changes at Rural Development. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (February 28, 2018) - USDA Rural Development today announced Rural Development’s Customer Service Center (CSC) will be realigned to the National Financial and Accounting Operations Center (NFAOC). | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (February 27, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is seeking applications for grants to help preserve affordable, rural rental housing. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (February 8, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced Roger Glendenning will serve as Rural Development’s Deputy Administrator of Single Family Housing. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (February 7, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is helping Patton Village, Texas, rebuild after Hurricane Harvey caused extensive damage last summer. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  {February 6, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today touted the appointment of Kenneth Johnson as the Administrator of Rural Development’s Rural Utilities Service. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (February 5, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the latest innovation in the simplified application process for affordable rural water and waste infrastructure improvements. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (January 25, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the certification of a new Rural Business Investment Company (RBIC), the Open Prairie Rural Opportunities Fund, L.P., under USDA’s Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP). | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (January 18, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the appointment of Gil Gonzalez as Chief of Staff. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (January 16, 2018) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced a regulation improvement that will expand eligibility for and simplify the administration of the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) grant program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (December 19, 2017) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the appointment of Curtis Anderson as Acting Administrator of Rural Development’s Rural Housing Service. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (December 19. 2017) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA recently finalized a $112.6 million loan guarantee through the Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union to help support the construction of a biorefinery in Storey County, Nev. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (December 18, 2017) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the appointment of Bette Brand as the Administrator of Rural Development’s Rural Business-Cooperative Service, effective January 8. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (December 4, 2017) – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the appointment of Curtis Anderson as Chief of Staff for Rural Development’s Rural Housing Service. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 20, 2017) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the appointment and selection of three new executive leaders for USDA Rural Development. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 16, 2017) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced new leadership in Rural Development’s Telecommunications Programs | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 14, 2017) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced the following changes in Senior Executive Service leadership roles at USDA Rural Development. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 12, 2017) - Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett announced today that the nation’s farmer, rancher and fishery cooperatives remained on solid financial footing in 2016. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (August 30, 2017) – Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help farmers, ranchers and producer-based businesses nationwide develop new product lines. Value Added Producer Grant Program | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 7, 2017) – Rural Development Acting Deputy Undersecretary Roger Glendenning today announced that USDA is accepting applications for grants to help socially disadvantaged agricultural producers and rural business owners. Socially-Disadvantaged Groups Grant Program  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 1, 2017) - Rural Development Acting Deputy Undersecretary Roger Glendenning announced today that USDA is seeking applications for grants to make housing repairs for low- and very-low-income rural residents. The grants are being provided through USDA Rural Development’s Housing Preservation Grant Program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 16, 2017) - USDA Rural Development Acting Undersecretary Roger Glendenning announced today that the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is accepting applications for Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Program funding for Fiscal Year (FY) 2017. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (January 10, 2017) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced that USDA is accepting applications for the Community Connect Grant Program for FY 2017. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (January 9, 2017) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah announced today that USDA is inviting applications for the Rural Broadband Access Loan and Loan Guarantee program (the Broadband Program). There will be two application windows for FY 2017. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (December 8, 2016) – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Lisa Mensah is inviting applications for grants under the Household Water Well System (HWWS) program and the Revolving Fund Program (RFP) for fiscal year 2017.   
                    -  (December 1, 2016) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Lisa Mensah is inviting applications for Solid Waste Management (SWM) and Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) grants. The grants help rural areas reduce or eliminate water pollution, and improve planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas.  | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 28, 2016) – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Rural Development Lisa Mensah today announced that USDA is inviting Community Development Financial Institutions to apply for the position of National Fund Manager for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 21, 2016) – United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced that the department is seeking applications from eligible applicants to undertake economic development and job creation projects and activities in rural areas. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 18, 2016) – United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced that USDA is seeking applications for investment companies to become new Rural Business Investment Companies (RBIC) under the department’s non-leveraged Rural Business Investment Program (RBIP). | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (November 9, 2016) - United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah announced today that USDA is seeking public comments on the current rules governing the Rural Business Investment Program. The Department would like to identify additional ways to streamline the program’s regulations and expand access to capital for small rural businesses. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 28, 2016) – USDA Rural Housing Service Administrator Tony Hernandez today unveiled a set of five dashboards designed to provide key data about and preserve the affordability of USDA’s Multi-Family Housing (MFH) properties. The publicly accessible, user-friendly set - currently available in beta - is designed to help policymakers and industry leaders collect, track and analyze the timeframe for when the USDA mortgage will be paid off, and the property exits USDA’s MFH program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (October 24, 2016) – USDA Rural Housing Service Administrator Tony Hernandez today announced new incentives to encourage non-profit organizations to acquire and rehabilitate USDA multi-family housing properties. Eligible non-profit organizations can take advantage of these changes on March 1, 2017. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (September 22, 2016) – Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced that USDA’s Rural Housing Service (RHS) will be able to finance more than 400 additional direct home loans to very-low- and low-income rural residents in FY 2016. USDA is making an additional $58.4 million available by transferring unused money from other RHS programs to the Single Family Housing Direct Home Loan Program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (August 16, 2016) – USDA Rural Development programs are covered by guidance that recommends assistance be offered to those with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) to ensure they understand services and resources available to them. Rural Development is offering LEP webinars to provide information for Federally Assisted Programs that offer loans. The webinars are open to anyone interested in attending and each webinar will cover the same content and is scheduled for approximately two hours. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (August 3, 2016) – Rural Development Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today released a report that outlines the costs to maintain and upgrade USDA’s inventory of multi-family housing units. | Stakeholder Announcement | Report 
                    -  (July 22, 2016) USDA Rural Development Deputy Under Secretary Lillian Salerno today announced that the Rural Housing Service (RHS) is releasing a suite of investment data to increase transparency and better educate stakeholders and appropriators about RHS program investments. The data suite includes information about loans, loan guarantees, and grants invested through RHS Single Family Housing, Multi-family Housing, and Community Facilities programs. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (June 30, 2016)  – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development is making funds available to community lending institutions that qualify as eligible lenders through a new program called the Community Facilities Relending Program. | Stakeholder Announcement | Federal Register Notice 
                    -  (June 14, 2016) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking applications from non-profit financial institutions for loans to finance rural electric and/or telecommunications infrastructure. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (May 24, 2016) – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that USDA is seeking comments on how the Rural Utilities Service should develop the Rural Energy Savings Program (RESP). This is a new program recently authorized by Congress. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    -  (April 8, 2016) – USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Administrator Brandon McBride today announced that the Department is accepting applications for loans to bring broadband to underserved rural areas.  
                    - (April 1, 2016)  – USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Brandon McBride today announced that interest rates have fallen to historic lows for USDA water and waste disposal loans and encouraged rural towns and cities to apply for funding assistance.  |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (March 14, 2016) USDA Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced that the Rural Housing Service (RHS) is soliciting applications for loan guarantees to construct or improve affordable rural rental housing communities. The funds are being provided through the Rural Rental Housing Loan Guarantee Program.  |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (March 2, 2016) USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Brandon McBride today announced a new rule governing how Rural Development will review actions affecting natural, historic and cultural resources. |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (January 25, 2016) USDA Rural Utilities Service Administrator Brandon McBride encouraged communities interested in using broadband service to help revitalize small-town main streets and promote economic development apply for Cool & Connected, a pilot program sponsored by USDA Rural Utilities Service and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Sustainable Communities. |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (January 14, 2016) Agriculture Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD) Lisa Mensah today announced that the Rural Housing Service (RHS) is soliciting applications for Section 514 Farm Labor Housing (FLH) loans and Section 516 FLH grants to construct new off-farm projects and acquire and rehabilitate non-RD off-farm projects for domestic farm laborers. |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (January 12, 2016) USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Lisa Mensah today announced that the Rural Development Agency is soliciting applications for the Distance Learning & Telemedicine program. |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (December 3, 2015) USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Lisa Mensah today announced that the Rural Development Agency is soliciting applications for the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.  USDA will publish on its website the amount of funding available for FY 2016.  In the meantime, eligible applicants are encouraged to apply now by using the online application tool  RDApply .   Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (October 15, 2015) Agriculture Under Secretary Lisa Mensah today announced the availability of up to $10 million in competitive grants to assist communities with extremely high energy costs. |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (May 5, 2015) USDA Rural Housing Service Announces Latest Customer Service Innovation for Multi-Family Borrowers |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (April 29, 2015)  USDA Publishes Final Rule Amending Single Family Housing Direct Loan Program Regulations |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    -  (March 25, 2015)  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA’s Rural Housing Service (RHS) is soliciting pre-applications for Farm Labor Housing loans and grants. |   Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (December 17, 2014) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is soliciting applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 for the Community Connect Grant Program. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    -  (September 29, 2014) Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA is seeking applications from producers of advanced biofuels to participate in the Department’s Advanced Biofuels Payment Program. | Stakeholder Announcement 
                    - (July 11, 2014) USDA’s BioPreferred® program office will host a public meeting on August 1, 2014, for stakeholders to discuss the issue of incorporating mature market (wood) products into the BioPreferred program. USDA is seeking input from stakeholders on how to evaluate products to be included in the BioPreferred program. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 16, 2014) On June 11, 2014, USDA announced the availability of grants to preserve and repair housing for very-low- and low-income rural families through the Housing Preservation Grant (HPG) program. The Notice of Funding Availability published in the Federal Register contained an incorrect mailing address for the USDA Rural Development Vermont State Office. |  Stakeholder Announcement
                    - (June 16, 2014) USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Lillian Salerno today announced more details about how advanced biofuel producers who submitted applications in October 2013 for the Advanced Biofuel Payment Program may qualify for Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 funding. |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (May 8, 2014) On May 30, 2014 USDA is hosting a listening session for public input about the Healthy Food Financing Initiative for which USDA has been granted new authority to implement.  
                    - (April 30, 2014) The Department of Agriculture is accepting  Business and Industry Guaranteed Loan Program (B&I)  applications from farmers, ranchers, and rural businesses for loan guarantees to support local or regional food production. |  Stakeholder Announcement  
                    - (February 6, 2014) Information for Rural Development employees and borrowers about a recent telephone scam |  Notice  
                    - USDA Releases Report on the Definition of Rural for Determining Eligibility for Government Programs  PDF  |  Report On The Definition of "Rural"