Rural America

America’s Massive Gap Providing Mental Health Services

Counties are pushing Congress to help fix the problem, which is especially bad in rural communities. But whether lawmakers will do so as part of upcoming budget legislation is unclear.

  • By Kery Murakami

States Steer More Money Toward Rural Roads

A federal infusion of grant money is paying for repaving and other safety improvements.

  • By Jenni Bergal, Stateline

Broadband’s Rural Reach: How Electric Co-ops Reduce the Digital Divide

The Virginia, Maryland and Delaware Association of Broadband Cooperatives plans to connect 200,000 rural residents via fiber within five years.

  • By Chris Teale

It’s Time for Congress to Step Up Its Support for Public Lands Counties

COMMENTARY | Local governments with huge swaths of federal land make important contributions to the nation’s economy, but also face unique challenges. Lawmakers should act to shore up the programs they depend on.

  • By Todd Devlin

Rural Areas in 11 States to Receive $401M for High-speed Internet

The Agriculture Department says the grants and loans will help to improve service for 31,000 customers.

  • By Kery Murakami

How Rural Communities Can Receive the Digital Infrastructure Support They Need

COMMENTARY | Bridging the rural-urban digital divide will depend on fundamental shifts in how we deploy money towards infrastructure in rural areas.

  • By Tamra Reynolds

85 Airports Awarded Nearly $1B for Terminal Improvements

The federal dollars will go to airports in metro and rural areas across the country and will help pay for a variety of upgrades.

  • By Molly Bolan

Small Towns Drew Most New Pandemic Residents

Major cities lost people to more remote, lesser-known areas.

  • By Tim Henderson

New Program Aims to Help Rural America Tap More Federal Funding

The Biden administration initiative is starting in five states and there are plans to expand it.

  • By Kery Murakami

Biden Administration Plays Up Billions for Rural Infrastructure

The White House released new information this week for places looking to access the cash and officials said to expect over $2 billion in funding announcements for rural areas this month.

  • By Bill Lucia

3 Things That Influence College Graduates From Rural Areas to Return to Their Communities

COMMENTARY | While many students who grew up in rural areas leave for good after going off to college, some are returning to their roots. A scholar who studies education and small towns explains why.

  • By Stephanie Sowl  , The Conversation

Millions of Electric Vehicle Chargers Are Coming and Cities Want a Say in Where They Go

Big cities and rural areas fear being left behind if they can’t keep up with the demand for chargers, but they also have to consider costs, competition for curbsides, equity and more.

  • By Daniel C. Vock
Featured eBooks
Road and Transit Infrastructure Trends
Federal Recovery Funds at the State and Local Level
Infrastructure at a Turning Point

With $1.4B in Awards, USDA Seeks to Loosen Grip of ‘Extraction Economy’ on Rural America

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said a new package of loans and grants is meant to help build wealth outside of cities and suburbs.

  • By Kery Murakami

Agriculture Department Sending $1B to Rural Communities

The grants and loans will help public sector and nonprofit organizations improve health care facilities and buy equipment for first responders in 48 states.

  • By Kery Murakami

3 Things Get People to Return to Rural Hometowns

COMMENTARY | A new study identifies the reasons that draw people back a decade or two after leaving: public schools, population density and other college-degree holders in the community.

  • By Rachel Cramer, Futurity

Feds Begin Distributing $7.5B to Rural Health Providers

The funding comes after the pandemic dealt a hit to rural America's already eroding health care system.

  • By Bill Lucia

How One Rural Town Without a Pharmacy Is Crowdsourcing to Get Meds

"We’re a community that pulls together for the wellness of everyone.”

  • By Markian Hawryluk, Kaiser Health News

3 Essential Elements Governments Need to Expand Broadband

Dedicated offices, planning and technical assistance and competitive grant programs are key components for effective broadband efforts, says The Pew Charitable Trusts.

  • By Brent Woodie

Hundreds of PPP Loans Went to Fake Farms in Absurd Places

An online lending platform called Kabbage sent 378 pandemic loans worth $7 million to fake companies (mostly farms) with names like “Deely Nuts” and “Beefy King.”

  • By Derek Willis and Lydia DePillis, ProPublica

The Case for Moving Back to Your Hometown

COMMENTARY | I thought of home as a waiting room, the place I had to be until I could go somewhere else. Then I left, and missed it terribly.

  • By Rainesford Stauffer, The Atlantic

Covid-19 Nomads Heed Pandemic Call of the Road

States want to attract well-heeled remote workers.

  • By Tim Henderson, Stateline