MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — Rural South Dakota communities received more than $75 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development loans and grants during fiscal year 2026, supporting housing, infrastructure, education and food services.
The funding was part of nearly $25 billion invested nationwide, according to an Oct. 19 USDA announcement.
South Dakota’s Single Family Housing programs assisted an estimated 220 families. Investments included more than $44 million through the guaranteed loan program and $764,000 for Lakota Funds Inc. to expand homeownership opportunities on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Infrastructure funding includes $2 million for Clay Rural Water System to purchase two standby diesel generators, providing backup power for treatment and support systems during outages.
The University of South Dakota will receive $565,465 for distance learning using simulation equipment and telecommunications technology. Instruction will cover areas including cardiac and respiratory emergencies, agricultural trauma response and reproductive health.
Oglala Lakota College, Sisseton Wahpeton College and Sinte Gleska University will receive a combined $766,500 for repairs through the Tribal College Initiative Grants program.
Another $312,000 will help Viborg, Kadoka and Wakonda repair community facilities following federally declared disasters in 2024.
In Madison, $300,000 through Heartland Energy will help Inter-Lakes Community Action Partnership build a commercial kitchen, expanding its ability to address food insecurity among seniors in rural and underserved communities.
Information about available programs is at rd.usda.gov/sd.