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Success Stories

Smith Island, Maryland

Investing in Wastewater Infrastructure is Key to Preserving Smith Island, Maryland

For the people living on Smith Island, the water matters. But it’s about more than the beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay from the picturesque island ten miles from the mainland. The multi‐generational residents depend on the surrounding Chesapeake Bay for their livelihoods. For many, crabbing, oystering, and ecotourism are what puts dollars in their bank accounts, and food on their tables. In rural communities…
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Use the filters below to find additional stories about how our programs have helped rural communities across the nation.

Search Results: 723 Stories
Molly and Everett pose with dog Cricket in front of their barn with the solar panels on the roof.

REAP Helps Nettie Fox Farm Step Away from Fossil Fuels

Nestled in the gently rolling hills of Newburgh, Maine, Nettie Fox Farm produces certified organic vegetables. Molly Crouse founded the farm in 2009. In 2013 her partner, Everett Ottinger, joined her in operating the 33-acre spread. They began steadily increasing the… [Read More]
Clean EnergyElectricFood SupplyKnow Your FarmerLocal FoodsLocal ProduceRCDIREAPRenewable EnergySolar Energy
For Benjamin Barnett, a seven-year farmer, in Waynesboro, Pa., he decided to pivot his farming operation from boarding horses to dairy. Like many farmers he decided to invest in his farm through the Rural Energy for America program. The project is expected to save the farm approximately $5,500 per year and will replace 50,148 kWh per year, enough to power four homes in Franklin County.

Farmers Are Reaping the Benefits of Solar in Pennsylvania

The pandemic and subsequential inflation forced many farmers to find ways to keep their businesses viable. For Benjamin Barnett, a seven-year farmer and owner of Marsh Run Farm, in Waynesboro, Pa., he decided to pivot his farming operation from boarding horses to dairy and cow… [Read More]
Clean EnergyEnergyREAPSolar Energy
woman splicing line of fiber

ReConnect Program Brings Prosperity to Rural Nevada Town

Brenda Dela Torriente twines the lines of fiber with precision. Her brows are furrowed as her fingers find the ridges between the cords, weaving them together at an astonishing speed. It's a painstaking process. For the town of Montello, Nevada, it's also a deeply important one… [Read More]
BroadbandHigh Speed Internet
Maine Flower Collective photo by Gina Bartholomew with Left to Right, Courtney Mongell, Melissa Law, Andrea Ault, Michelle Jones, Mary Lou Hoskins, Carolyn Snell

Maine Flower Collective blooms and grows after first year

In a world where imported blooms typically dominate our bouquets and arrangements, there remains a healthy demand for local, seasonal flowers in Maine. Ranunculus, Lisianthus, dahlias, and hydrangeas are popular for being the beautiful workhorses of flower designs, but they don’… [Read More]
CooperativesEconomic DevelopmentEntrepreneurLocal ProduceMade in Rural AmericaRural DevelopmentSmall Business
Man standing by wastewater plant in rural area.

Regional Wastewater Hub Improves Quality of Life in Rural Ohio

In a small rural community nestled in the foothills of southeast Ohio’s Appalachian region, the city of Nelsonville recently celebrated a water infrastructure milestone with the opening of its new regional wastewater treatment facility.   Built in 1956, the original facility… [Read More]
Wastewater
On May 2, 2024, USDA Rural Development was able to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new mental health service center in Uniontown, Pa. The facility, funded through our essential community facilities program, gives locals in need of care a place to meet with qualified professionals from the Fayette County Mental Health Association.

Where to Start: Accessing Mental Health Resources in Rural Pennsylvania

Bob Morgan, State Director of USDA Rural Development It starts with caring. On May 2, 2024, I was blessed with the opportunity to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony for a new mental health service center in Uniontown, Pa. The facility, funded through our essential… [Read More]
Community FacilitiesMental Health
Crandell-Home

It’s Never too Late - The American Dream of Homeownership

John and Kathleen Crandell thought that owning their own home was just a dream. But this dream finally became a reality. This retired couple, ages 70 and 68, had always rented and lived on a fixed income from Social Security and a small pension. The idea of homeownership seemed… [Read More]
Housing
USDA invested $2.6 million in loans and grants to construct a long-term support care facility for GHA Autism Supports.

Rural Development is Partnering with GHA Autism Supports

USDA Rural Development is making one their most dynamic and impactful investments with their partnership with GHA Autism Supports Morrow Valley Farmstead. The investment of $2.6 million into the home for aging individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental… [Read More]
Health Care
USDA with Norma and Neighbors helping Neighbors

Welcome Home: The Fire Didn't Beat Me.

Have you ever heard your heart in your ears? It’s that adrenaline rush that results from both good and bad events in our life. Often enough the events that trigger this feeling are good, your favorite team winning, that lucky break or unexpected promotion. There are also times… [Read More]
DisasterHousing
Rural Housing Service (RHS) Administrator Joaquin Altoro and Hawaii/Western Pacific State Director Chris Kanazawa speaks with Guam's Governor Lou Leon Guerrero following the outreach event held at the University of Guam.

USDA Rural Development Hosts Community Outreach Event at the University of Guam

On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, USDA Rural Development Hawaii/Western Pacific State Director Chris Kanazawa, Rural Housing Service (RHS) Administrator Joaquin Altoro and USDA RD program representatives provided an overview of loans and grants available for rural area residents,… [Read More]
BusinessCommunity FacilitiesHomeownership

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