April 30, 1935: |
See "A Brief History of Farmers Home Administration" (PDF, 4,353 Kb*) to learn more. | |||||||||
Over time, Congress expanded the agency's role. In 1949, Congress directed REA to oversee a rural telephone program, and, in the 1970s, it authorized the Rural Telephone Bank and use of revolving loan funds to finance the agency's telecommunications programs. More recently, Congress has tasked the agency with delivery of Internet-based telcommunications programs including distance learning and broadband. See "A Brief History of the Rural Electric and Telephone Programs" (PDF, 6,389 Kb*) to learn more. | ||||||||||
October 13, 1994: Today, Rural Development is the venture capitalist for rural America, built on the legacy of these Depression-era agencies begun 70 years ago. We are helping to develop the technological infrastructure that will enable rural America to compete in the 21st century domestically and globally. We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an $86 billion dollar loan portfolio, and we will administer nearly $16 billion in program loans, loan guarantees, and grants through our programs. |
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Anniversary Celebration (click photos to enlarge)
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See 70 Years of Commitment to Rural America: Anniversary Celebration Program (PDF, 11,341 Kb) for more about our history. |
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