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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Infrastructure

Jan 27, 2026 - The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) will hold a virtual listening session on February 11, 2026, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern regarding the use of the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funds. The listening session will gather input from stakeholders to inform NTIA's future planning and policy development. Meeting materials will be available on NTIA's BroadbandUSA website.Pre-registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Jan 13, 2026 - Discusses a recent study finding that portable water stations installed in rural Alaskan homes without piped water as part of COVID-19 mitigation efforts are decreasing contagious diseases and increasing water use. Discusses the cost savings associated with this system, making water associated public health practices more achievable than in the past.
Source: Alaska Beacon
Dec 12, 2025 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) confirming the September 30, 2024, final rule with comment period making revisions to the policy and procedures to strengthen oversight and management of the growing Community Facilities (CF), Water and Waste Disposal (WWD), Business and Industry (B&I), and Rural Energy for America (REAP) guarantee portfolios. This rule also responds to comments received in response to the final rule. The final rule is effective and confirmed as of November 29, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 11, 2025 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) making corrections to the September 30, 2024, final rule. This rule is effective December 11, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 9, 2025 - Describes an innovation that could offer small rural wastewater facilities an affordable way to conduct wastewater sampling for public health purposes. Notes the traditional testing equipment is expensive and often out of reach for rural facilities.
Source: Louisiana Illuminator
Dec 5, 2025 - Highlights $906 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture funding for rural community development and housing projects in Georgia. Projects include funding for hospital renovations and infrastructure improvements, among other investments.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Dec 2, 2025 - Discusses challenges with maintaining infrastructure, essential services, and emergency healthcare in a rural New York county due to workforce shortages. Describes contributors to the shortage including a small pool of workers, limited housing, and an aging population.
Source: Adirondack Explorer
Dec 1, 2025 - Notice of a proposed rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that would clarify and modify existing regulations impacting the deployment of wireless infrastructure with particular focus on state and local regulations. Comments are due December 31, 2025.
Source: Federal Register