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Success Stories

Smith Island, Maryland

Investing in Wastewater Infrastructure is Key to Preserving Smith Island, Maryland

For the people living on Smith Island, the water matters. But it’s about more than the beautiful views of the Chesapeake Bay from the picturesque island ten miles from the mainland. The multi‐generational residents depend on the surrounding Chesapeake Bay for their livelihoods. For many, crabbing, oystering, and ecotourism are what puts dollars in their bank accounts, and food on their tables. In rural communities…
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Search Results: 711 Stories
Water filtration system inside new building

Bringing Safe, Reliable Water to Rural Montana Town

In the shadow of central Montana’s Crazy Mountains sits Wilsall, a picturesque community of 200 rural residents who – with a little help from USDA Rural Development – now have a safe, reliable water supply. Nearly six years ago, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (… [Read More]
Water
Side view of Alberta VFD pumper

Showstopping Pumper Elevates Efficiency and Safety of Alberta Emergency Responses

Hand-me-downs are a right of passage in many large families but aren’t a great approach to public safety in rural communities. The Alberta Volunteer Fire Department was making do with engines procured from nearby communities when the nonprofit decided to pump the brakes on… [Read More]
Mt. Jackson equalization basin under construction

Zen and the Art of Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance

Balance is key to maintaining the health of humans and ecosystems but is an often-overlooked aspect of wastewater treatment. When the Mount Jackson, Va., plant went online in 2010, operators soon discovered that they had to make constant adjustments to maintain equilibrium. The… [Read More]
Two people standing in front of a water tank and water truck

USDA Grant Provides Water to Drought Struck Community

When we turn on the water faucet in our homes, most of us take for granted that water will pour out. It seems almost unimaginable to think that there might be a time when water would not flow. But three years ago, this situation became a reality for residents of a small… [Read More]
Water
finger turning off circuit breaker

Updated electrical panel improves safety for Leola homeowner

While modern homes have been equipped with circuit breaker-style electrical panels for decades, many older homes may still have screw-in fuse panels that were commonplace from the early-to-mid 20th century. Jeannie Feickert’s home in Leola was one such home. Jeannie… [Read More]
Home RepairHomeownership
Group photo of Frenchtown, NJ, community with RD NJ staff at a groundbreaking event.

Invasions and Investments Keep Jersey Town Afloat

For the last 20 years, one small New Jersey town nestled along the bank of the Delaware River spends an entire weekend preparing for something you’d pull out of an adventure book – an all-out Viking invasion. Hundreds of locals line the water’s edge as the river’s current… [Read More]
Water
Woman and man standing in front of concession stand at movie theater.

Energy Grant Helps the “Show Go On” in Southeast Montana

Ever since moving pictures began, Main Street U.S.A.’s neon-lighted movie theaters have provided a beloved escape for small town residents. As Rosebud County’s only theater, the Roxy has been a cultural mainstay ever since it replaced Forsyth’s old silent film theater back in… [Read More]
Energy
Woman sitting at table with home made soaps, lotions, and balms.

Lifelong Love of Animals Blossoms into Successful Small Business

Little did lifelong animal lover Stephanie Smotherman know her affinity for critters would lead to a barnyard full of animals and a thriving small business in the rural eastern community of Jordan.  Named for daughters Brook and Belle, BB Farms and Soap Company produces “Made… [Read More]
Made in Rural America
Woman and man standing in front of their home in Montana.

Disaster Grant Helps Montana Homeowners Recover from Historic Flood

In May 2022, Tim and CJ Wyman thought all might be lost when the Yellowstone River crested its banks, flooding their modest Fromberg neighborhood.  This 100-year flood event wreaked havoc up and down their quiet street, and if not for a grant from USDA, they might have had to… [Read More]
Home Repair
Sprocket Paducah

West KY nonprofit looks to level tech jobs, entrepreneurship playing field

Spend time with anyone involved in economic development in rural Kentucky, and you’ll hear different ideas about what will bring meaningful prosperity to the region. Some hang their hat on recreation activities like motorsports and responsible use of natural resources (… [Read More]
BusinessEntrepreneurSmall BusinessTechnology

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