USDA Rural Development Invests $25 Billion to Strengthen Rural Communities Nationwide

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development recently announced nearly $25 billion in rural community investments nationwide in fiscal year 2026. These projects strengthen essential infrastructure, expand housing and business opportunities, and ensure rural families and farmers have the tools they need to succeed.

In Illinois, Rural Development invested more than $315 million in loans and grants in fiscal year 2026 to support these efforts.

"Under the leadership of the Trump-Vance Administration, Rural Development is delivering modern infrastructure, affordable housing, and new economic opportunities to rural communities across the state," said USDA Rural Development Illinois State Director Jesus Ortega. "By expanding access to essential services, we're helping families, businesses, and local leaders build a stronger, more resilient Illinois."

These nationwide investments support local priorities in Illinois and deliver real results for rural residents, farmers, businesses, and communities, including:

• The city of Casey received a $49,000 Rural Business Development Grant to improve a city-owned parking lot in downtown. The project will remove debris, correct drainage issues, repair sidewalks, pave the parking lot, and add landscaping, creating a safe and accessible space.
  
• The city of Pontiac received $500,000 in Community Facilities funding to build a fire and rescue substation with apparatus bays, staff space, and essential facilities. The new station will improve emergency response times and serve more than 11,150 residents in Livingston County.
  
• Flexsenhar Aerial Applicator LLC, a Virden-based aerial application and crop-dusting company, received a $14.75 million Business & Industry Guaranteed Loan to acquire a business through long-term, lower-interest financing. The project, financed by Bank of Springfield, is expected to save approximately 17 jobs.
  
• Savannah Ridge Farms in Vermilion County received a $181,114 Value-Added Producer Grant to support working-capital needs, including marketing, purchasing additional yak products, and covering shipping, materials, and processing costs. This funding will help strengthen the business and expand economic opportunities in the rural community.
  
• Southern Illinois Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Dongola, received a $998,500 Rural Economic Development Loan to relend funds to G.L. Beaumont Lumber Company in Ramsey. Funds will purchase new and modernized equipment for the lumber company.
  
• The village of Wilsonville received $652,000 in Water and Environmental Program financing to build a new water tower and install updated radio-read software and meters. These improvements will reduce water loss, address health concerns, and ensure safe drinking water for more than 570 residents in Macoupin County.
  
• Through its Single-Family Housing Programs, the agency helped 1,059 families move into new homes and provided essential repairs for 180 homes.

The investments in Illinois mark USDA's commitment to deliver resources that communities can rely on to improve their quality of life by focusing on the needs of rural America to help build more resilient communities across the nation.

Looking ahead, USDA Rural Development will continue to deliver targeted investments that strengthen our communities by responding to rural needs across Illinois.

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with programs to promote rural prosperity. These programs expand access to high-speed internet, electricity, and transportation infrastructure, and support economic growth, healthcare, education, housing and other community essentials. Discover more investment details and historical data in the Rural Data Gateway and learn more about the agency at www.rd.usda.gov/il .