October 19, 2026 - The Belle Ayr and Eagle Butte coal mines have received a $25 million loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support a change in ownership and help cover ongoing costs.

Eagle Specialty Materials LLC received the Business and Industry Loan Guarantee for the two mines, which produce thermal coal in Wyoming’s Powder River Basin. The mines produce coal with low sulfur and ash content.

The investment is meant to help keep the mines running and support workers and rural communities that depend on the energy industry.

The funding was part of $146 million in loans and grants that USDA Rural Development provided across rural Wyoming during the 2026 fiscal year. The agency announced the investments Oct. 19 in Casper.

Nationwide, the USDA invested nearly $25 billion in rural communities during the fiscal year.

Tyler Harrison, USDA Rural Development’s Wyoming state director, said the funding supports important services and infrastructure, including housing, reliable power, clean water, broadband access and community facilities.

Other Wyoming projects receiving funding include $3 million for a new air traffic control tower at the Casper/Natrona County International Airport. The project is expected to improve air traffic safety, increase passenger and commercial capacity, and support regional growth and emergency services.

Rural housing programs received a total of $54.4 million. More than $50 million went toward loans for single-family homes, while another $4.4 million supported multifamily housing.

The Town of LaGrange received $2.23 million to upgrade its municipal water system. The funding includes a $30,000 grant to help evaluate the project and $2.2 million in loans and grants for water and wastewater improvements. The work is intended to improve water quality, fire protection and the system’s long-term reliability.

The Sheridan Area Water Supply Joint Powers Board received $244,000 to extend a water line to residents along Gulch Road. Residents in the area have dealt with a severely compromised drinking water supply for more than 10 years.

The project aims to restore reliable access to safe drinking water, improve fire protection and support local livestock production.

Shumway Farms LLC, a sixth-generation farm in Lincoln County, received $172,000 to help expand its ice cream and skyr yogurt production. The grant will cover costs for marketing, processing, packaging and delivery.

More information about USDA Rural Development investments is available through the agency’s Rural Data Gateway.