Rural Development

The FY ’26 Ag appropriations process has kicked off in Congress and once again, the process is partisan.  Subcommittee Chair Andy Harris launched the markup, announcing the GOP’s $25 billion bill.   “…a $1.1 billion or 4.2% decrease from FY ’25 ...

President Trump recently appointed Kirk Pearson to serve as the Washington Rural Development State Director.   “It’s an honor to serve the people of Washington State and help strengthen the backbone of our rural communities,” said Pearson. “I look forward to wo...

The Trump administration is planning to severely scale back or outright eliminate funding for many programs across the Agriculture Department, according to White House documents obtained, as it slashes workers and closes offices at the local level...

Reports continue to say the Trump administration is planning to severely scale back or end all funding for many of the key programs in the Agriculture Department.  According to White House documents obtained by Government Executive, the Administration wants to cut workers and whole offices at the local level.   ...

On Tuesday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins offered a preview of programs USDA plans on rolling out, or updating, to strengthen rural America.   “In the coming weeks, we will be unveiling a new initiative to work with our federal, state and local partners to develop this bold new strategy to revive our rural communities.”   ...

“I fully recognize that if I am confirmed, I am stepping into the role during one of the most economically challenging times in American agriculture history,” said Agriculture secretary nominee Brooke Rollins, testifying at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Ag Committee Thursday.  The Texas native of...

On Wednesday, USDA’s Rural Development announced that it will invest $94 million in Yakama Power's Clean Energy Project.  The funds come via the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program, PACE, where rural electric cooperatives and communities can use funding to lower electricity costs for businesses and families, while reducing climate pollution.    Yakama Power said th...

Thanks to a recently announced $19.1 million grant from USDA’s Rural Development, residents of the Colville Reservation will benefit from improved high-speed internet access.  The tribes will use the funding to expand broadband access to 165 residential customers, six businesses, and 20 farms in Okanogan County.  RD said this ...

On Thursday, the USDA announced a $78.3 million investment through the Powering Affordable Clean Energy program , which includes $4 million bound for Washington.  Cunningham Solar is slated to use those funds to develop nearly three megawatts of solar energy in the central part of the state.  USDA's ...

Last week, the USDA announced it is funding additional projects across Washington via the Rural Energy for America Program in an effort to lower costs, expand access to clean energy as well as strengthen farms and small businesses.  Helen Price Johnson, Rural Development Director for Washington said $5.1 million...