U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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…
Read More

Find Stories

Use the filters below to find additional stories about how our programs have helped rural communities across the nation.

Search Results: 57 Stories
Precision Prefinishing installed energy-efficient lighting at its Harrisburg facility with help from a USDA grant.

A Rural Business is Reaping the Rewards of Increased Energy Efficiency

Precision Prefinishing may be a small business, but it needs a large space to conduct its work of custom finishing panels for cabinets, siding, and other construction products. Its 130,000-square-foot facility in the rural town of Harrisburg in western Oregon was lit with… [Read More]
REAPEnergy
Peony Solar

One of the Largest Solar Farms in the State will benefit approximately 9,400 homes in South Carolina.

USDA Rural Development (RD) Business and Industry (B&I) Loan funds are used to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.  In May, Peony Solar, located in… [Read More]
BusinessREAP

Keeping Manufacturing Alive

Bloomsburg Carpet, located in the beautiful Susquehanna River Valley of central Pennsylvania, has, since its founding in 1976, prided itself on manufacturing the highest quality, American-made carpets. Like all small businesses, they seek to control expenses as best they can.… [Read More]
REAP
car crusher

#1 Selling Car Crusher on the Market Benefits From Making Energy Efficiency Improvements

OVB Holdings, LLC dba Overbuilt, based in Huron, SD,  manufactures heavy machinery including car crushers and balers/loggers.  Overbuilt and its products have been around since 1996.  They produce top-quality, high-performance equipment for auto salvage yards and scrap metal… [Read More]
REAP
Vernetta Le Grand and Cayla Hilbrands

Energy Efficiency Improvements Enhance Shopping Experience

The R&B Food Center located in Wessington, South Dakota is the only grocery store located in the community with a population of  177. Vernetta LeGrand has owned and operated this local grocery store since 1987. Having a grocery store  is critical to community vitality. … [Read More]
REAP
Geddes Grocery Store Photo

Maintaining Infrastructure Important to Rural South Dakota Grocery Store

As the only grocery store in the town of Geddes, SD, owners Jill & Bob Dyk, had a goal to provide local community members, as well as visitors to the area, with a place to buy grocery items, food and supplies for campers and hunters, general service items, and a place to… [Read More]
REAP

USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program Assists South Dakota Rancher

Haven Stuck got his start ranching at an early age on his family’s ranch in Mellette, SD where they raised cattle, pigs and sheep. Stuck grew up working cattle and learning the difficult business of operating a sustainable agribusiness from his parents. After high school, Stuck… [Read More]
REAP

Additional Success Stories