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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Infrastructure

Apr 17, 2024 - Discusses the rise in mountain biking in rural areas, noting the impact on rural infrastructure, local economies, and emergency services. Highlights a health and wellness initiative in Navajo Nation.
Source: The Daily Yonder
Apr 10, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopting a Report and Order amending existing rules and requirements governing the management and administration of the Universal Service Fund (USF) high-cost program. Changes will streamline processes, align timelines, and refine certain rules to more precisely address specific situations experienced by carriers. This rule is effective May 10, 2024, except for amendments to sections 36.4 (amendatory instruction 2), 54.205 (amendatory instruction 7), 54.313 (amendatory instruction 10), 54.314 (amendatory instruction 11), 54.316 (amendatory instruction 13), 54.903 (amendatory instruction 18), and 54.1306 (amendatory instruction 22), which are delayed indefinitely.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 4, 2024 - Notice of proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) seeking comments on the practical and policy issues related to the implementation of regulations regarding covered cyber incident and ransom payment reporting requirements for covered entities, as required by the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2022 (CIRCIA). Includes rural references throughout and encourages comments regarding the impact of proposed requirements on small entities. Comments are due by June 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Mar 14, 2024 - Funding for rural Federally Qualified Health Centers in Tennessee and across the South has been awarded for installing solar panels and battery systems. The mini grid systems will allow the facilities to continue offering critical services during power outages.
Source: WPLN, NPR
Mar 12, 2024 - Announces $58 million in funding for tribal communities in Nevada, South Dakota, and Oklahoma. Funding will improve water infrastructure and high-speed internet.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Mar 2, 2024 - Highlights a rural California town introducing a shade equity master plan to address the dangers of extreme heat. Discusses rural specific issues such as limited infrastructure and unsafe homes that make heat burden unequally experienced. Notes the disparate impact felt by farmworkers in this agriculture-heavy region.
Source: AP News
Feb 26, 2024 - Notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) extending the application period for the Rural eConnectivity (ReConnect) Program for fiscal year 2024. RUS will begin to accept applications on March 22, 2024. Applications are due by May 21, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Feb 22, 2024 - Highlights a new research project aiming to improve wastewater monitoring in rural Virginia. Discusses the challenges with wastewater monitoring for diseases in rural places.
Source: Digital Journal
Feb 21, 2024 - Announces new federal funding for rural projects related to broadband internet, clean water, infrastructure, and economic growth.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Feb 21, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service (RUS) will begin to accept applications for the Rural eConnectivity (ReConnect) Program for fiscal year 2024 on March 22, 2024. The ReConnect Program provides loans and grants to facilitate broadband deployment in rural areas. Applications that will assist rural communities to recover economically, ensure rural residents have equitable access to Rural Development programs and benefit from Rural Development funded projects, and reduce climate pollution and increase resilience to the impacts of climate change through economic support to rural communities are encouraged. Applications are due by April 22, 2024.
Source: Federal Register