Rural Health
News by Topic: Infrastructure
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
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