USDA Rural Development Invests $25 Billion to Strengthen Rural Communities Nationwide
Albuquerque, NM, October 08, 2026 — 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 New Mexico, Rural Development invested more than $9,727,644 in loans and grants in fiscal year 2026 to support these efforts.
"Rural Development is delivering modern infrastructure, affordable housing, and new economic opportunities to rural communities across New Mexico. These investments are driving measurable improvements in access to clean and reliable water systems, dependable power, broadband connectivity, health care facilities, emergency services, and safe, affordable housing. Together, these efforts are strengthening local economies and supporting the long-term vitality of New Mexico’s rural regions." -Travis Day, NM State Director said.
These nationwide investments are supporting local priorities in New Mexico and delivering real results for rural residents, farmers, businesses, and communities, including:
- Community Facilities Grants- San Juan County, Rural Development invested $1,000,000 to purchase a ladder fire truck. The Food Depot received $84,150 to purchase and install a cold storage equipment. Village of Wagon Mound received $164,000 to purchase two meal delivery trucks for the senior center. Rio Ariba County received $750,000 for the purchase of Fire Equipment. Pueblo of Tesuque received $749,000 to build a storage facility. Isleta Pueblo received $900,000 to purchase a fire truck. Town of Peralta received $1,000,000 to purchase fire protection equipment. Village of Reserve received $750,000 to build a fire truck bay building. Grant County received $400,000 to improve their community Center. Luna County received $500,000 to improve their fire/rescue and public safety related services. Navajo Technical University received $242,725 to purchase animal science and meat processing equipment and Institute of American Indian Art received $242.725 to replace their roof.
- Water and Environmental Program invested $350,000 for the City of Belen's back up well project.
- Value Added Producer Grants- Bidii Baby Foods LLC, received $49,950 to assist in obtaining a feasibility study, business and marketing plans and Worthington Farms LLC received $200,000 of working capital to be used for marketing, supplies and further website development.
- Rural Business Development Grants- New Mexico State University received $73,958 to assist in providing technical assistance for small businesses. Mainstreet T or C received $87,830 to purchase and outfit a food trailer and provide additional technical assistance. The Bridge of Southern NM received $99,000 to assist in Columbus's heavy equipment workforce training initiative. City of Bayard received $110,000 to assist two small business purchase essential equipment. Pueblo of Pojoaque received $99,999 to purchase new deli and bakery equipment for the Pojoaque supermarket and Village of Eagle Nest Received $196,170 to purchase essential equipment and supplies for eight small business.
- Business and Industry Loan Guarantee- Chili Charm LLC received $213,399 to acquire The Patio Restaurant in Hurley NM.
- Single Family Housing loan and grant program invested $1,464,738 to purchase and/or repair existing homes.
The investments mark only the beginning of USDA’s commitment to deliver resources that communities can rely on to improve their quality of life. Focusing on the needs of rural America helps 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 [State].
For more information on USDA Rural Development investments in rural America, visit the Rural Data Gateway. The Rural Data Gateway is an online tool that strengthens USDA Rural Development partnerships with rural people, entrepreneurs, government officials and Congress by making agency investment data accessible to the public.
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