USDA Rural Development Participates in Ribbon Cutting Event in Edenton

(Edenton, N.C., July 24, 2026) - Members of the USDA RD North Carolina Team participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony with Chowan County Schools and John A. Holmes High School today.

Rural Development invested $35 million in USDA Community Facilities Loans to assist in the construction of a new 147,000 square foot school facility that will serve approximately 600 students, grades 9-12, at John A. Holmes High School.

The new school includes:

• Classrooms
• Athletic facilities
• Staff and student parking

"The Trump Administration understands that strong rural communities begin with strong schools," said USDA Rural Development Director of State Operations Robert Hosford. "This $35 million investment in John A. Holmes High School will provide students in Chowan County with a modern, state-of-the-art learning environment that prepares them for success in college, careers, and the skilled trades. Under President Trump's leadership and Secretary Brooke Rollins' commitment to rural America, USDA Rural Development is making strategic investments that strengthen local communities, support families, and help ensure the next generation has the tools they need to succeed right here in rural North Carolina."

The USDA CF Loan Program provides affordable funding to develop essential community facilities in rural areas. An essential community facility is defined as a facility that provides an essential service to the local community for the orderly development of the community in a primarily rural area, and does not include private, commercial or business undertakings.

USDA Rural Development provides loans, grants and technical assistance to support economic development, infrastructure, and quality-of-life improvements in rural communities across North Carolina and the nation.

To learn more about USDA Rural Development programs, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/nc.

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