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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Infrastructure

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
Mar 17, 2026 - Describes Auburn Rural Studio, an architecture program based in rural Alabama. Describes the student-driven community development work over 30 years and the local benefits such as affordable housing. Notes that the program considers not just housing but also community resources such as reliable wastewater systems and public spaces.
Mar 9, 2026 - Announcement from the USDA Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service of guarantee fee rates, guarantee percent for guaranteed loans, the periodic retention fee, and fees for the issuance of the loan note guarantee prior to construction completion for FY 2026 for the following loans programs: 1) Community Facilities, 2) Water and Waste Disposal (WWD), 3) Business and Industry, and 4) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). These fees are effective on October 1, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 2, 2026 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS) seeking comments on proposed revisions to an information collection package for Rural Energy for America (REAP) program, which provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Comments are due by May 1, 2026.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 24, 2026 - Describes the challenges small communities face with maintaining water systems with focus on two communities in Arkansas and Louisiana. Discusses funding, workforce, and aging infrastructure as barriers to consistently providing clean drinking water.
Source: WWNO, NPR
Feb 23, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is seeking comments on unmet transportation infrastructure needs in rural communities. Information collected will be used to inform rural transportation policy and the development of future initiatives through DOT's Rural Opportunities to Use Transportation for Economic Success (ROUTES) Initiative. ROUTES addresses the transportation infrastructure needs of rural and Tribal communities by developing user-friendly tools and information, aggregating DOT resources, and providing direct technical assistance to connect rural and Tribal communities with the funding, financing, and outreach resources available. Comments are due within 60 days of this notice.
Source: Federal Register