United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development is part of the United States Department of Agriculture. Its primary role and responsibility is to help improve the economy and quality of life of living in rural areas. The department's financial programs support such public facilities and services as water and sewer systems, emergency service facilities, electric and telephone service, housing and health clinics. It also promotes economic development by supporting loans to businesses through banks, credit unions and community-managed lending pools. Additional information can be found on the website.