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Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Infrastructure

Dec 5, 2023 - Announcement of a partnership between the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and a network of wastewater organizations to improve wastewater infrastructure and water quality for rural areas. Through the partnership, rural areas will have increased access to funding, technical assistance, and networking.
Source: Rural Development, United States Department of Agriculture
Dec 4, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) is accepting applications for grants under the Rural Business Development Grant Program for fiscal year 2024. Applications that will help rural communities recover economically; ensure all rural residents have equitable access to USDA Rural Development (RD) programs and benefits from RD funded projects; and reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support are encouraged. Applications are due by February 28, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 29, 2023 - Highlights the potential connection between environmental contaminants in water and health, particularly pediatric cancer, in rural Nebraska and other parts of the Midwest. Discusses the current standard for nitrates, efforts to re-evaluate the standard, and the potential impact on rural communities.
Source: WVPE
Nov 28, 2023 - Reviews data showing that disparities in affordability for broadband for rural and urban residents including a look at how the number of providers in an area impacts cost for both urban and rural areas. Discusses the affordability requirement of Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) funding.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Nov 21, 2023 - The Oklahoma Well Owner Network is expanding its educational programming to rural libraries. Notes the importance of water sources in residents' health and safety.
Source: OSU Extension
Nov 14, 2023 - A new collaboration across university departments at Purdue University will raise awareness of broadband access and adoption resources throughout Indiana. Discusses the impact of the collaboration on rural areas.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Nov 9, 2023 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced over $1.2 billion in funding for advancing economic development and equity in rural cooperatives in 36 states and Puerto Rico. Projects include building new healthcare facilities, modernizing infrastructure, enhancing agricultural business, and more.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Nov 3, 2023 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) amending the September 14, 2023, notice inviting applications for loans and grants under the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant (REDLG) Programs for fiscal year 2024. This notice adds a third option to request Priority Points under the Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Justice category. USDA Rural Development will work with any applicants who have previously applied for FY 2024 funding to ensure they have the opportunity to utilize this option.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 31, 2023 - Announcement of funding for rural-related investments in the areas of agriculture and climate, infrastructure, jobs and economic development, high-speed internet, and energy. Part of the Administration's Investing in America agenda.
Source: The White House
Oct 26, 2023 - Interview of a dermatology resident who is also a member of Navajo Nation. Describes healthcare needs on the reservation including discussion of water and other infrastructure, stigma, access to specialty care, nutrition, the impact of COVID-19, and the need for more Native American physicians.
Source: American Medical Association