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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Infrastructure

May 15, 2026 - 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 2026. Program guidance and application forms are available on USDA's website.
Source: Federal Register
May 13, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announces the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Community Connect Grant Program for fiscal year 2026. The Community Connect Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants who will provide service at or above the broadband grant speed to all premises in rural, economically challenged communities where broadband service does not exist. Program guidance and application forms are available on USDA's website.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding: Community Connect Broadband Grant Program
May 7, 2026 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service has awarded the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) a contract for the Circuit Rider Technical Assistance Program. NRWA is a nonprofit organization that trains and supports water and wastewater professionals who serve rural and remote communities.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
May 4, 2026 - U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega marked the 100th anniversary of the Route 66 designation by highlighting several Rural Development investments along the highway. Almost $11 million has been invested in recent projects to benefit people in rural Illinois and beyond.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Apr 20, 2026 - Examines ways in which rural communities can create accountable care programs, using funds from the Rural Health Transformation Program. Notes that rural areas have tighter social networks, clearer referral pathways, and fewer competing delivery systems, which can support accountable care after infrastructure is in place.
Source: Health Affairs
Apr 16, 2026 - A study from Pennsylvania State University examines how the loss of everyday locations such as grocery stores, pharmacies, primary care clinics, schools, and churches may affect health. The authors focus on a rural township in Pennsylvania and argue that such places act as health infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Source: Population Reference Bureau
Apr 2, 2026 - Describes community costs associated with regulations for addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contaminations in North Carolina wastewater systems. Discusses challenges for small water systems with focus on one community that faces increased costs after the main employer and town's primary water ratepayer closed.
Source: North Carolina Health News
Apr 1, 2026 - The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is seeking experts for a workshop series examining how medical, public health, emergency management, and critical infrastructure data are collected and used to support the decision-making process before, during, and after disasters and emergencies. Both committee members and potential speakers, participants, and peer reviewers are needed. Nominations are due April 17, 2026.
Source: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Mar 26, 2026 - Interviews the Deputy Director of Rural LISC, discussing her career path, access and infrastructure challenges for rural communities, engaging with communities, projects at LISC, and leadership tips.
Source: Rural LISC