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Success Stories

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: 17 Stories

New Solar Array Helps Brewery Keep The Lights On

In rural Ord, Nebraska, Scratchtown Brewing Company, LLC is saving nearly 70 percent in energy costs thanks, in part, to a Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) renewable energy grant awarded in 2019 to purchase a new 24-kilowatt rooftop solar array. These renewable energy… [Read More]
New  streets, curbs and drainage.

Smooth Drive for All in the City

Pawnee City had 3.8 miles of streets composed of asphalt or rock and deteriorated to the point repair was no longer feasible. With minimal to no curbing, the majority of drainage was in open ditches along the roadway. Complete replacement was necessary for safe streets in this… [Read More]
Lake Andes group photo

USDA Builds Sound Infrastructure for a Rural South Dakota Community

The City of Lake Andes recognized that two-thirds of the city sewer system was built in the 1920’s with vitrified clay pipe (VC) and brick manholes (MHs). The sewer system was experiencing a significantly high rate of infiltration and inflow causing the sanitary sewer system to… [Read More]
Pine Ridge Lift Station

Reliable Infrastructure Provided to the Pine Ridge Community

Pine Ridge is the most populous community in Oglala Lakota County, SD with a population of 3,308. It is located inside the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and is the tribal headquarters for the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The lift station in Pine Ridge was in very poor condition with… [Read More]
Village of Harrison Well Controls

Dependable, Clean Water Strengthens Village Infrastructure

The Village of Harrison found itself with an aged water infrastructure.  Nitrates were too high and did not meet the State Water Drinking Act.  Water mains were 40-50 years old, leaking, breaking, and were either cast-iron or galvanized pipe.  Water meters had outlived their… [Read More]
AdEdge Arsenic Removal Equipment.

Water System in Stromsburg Now Meets Community Needs

The City of Stromsburg’s water source contained high levels of arsenic that exceeded the minimum requirement mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and needed to be brought back into compliance.  Serving over 1,232 residents, the City also needed to replace deteriorated… [Read More]
Everyone is smiling. The transfer of ownership is complete!

Revolving Loan Fund Prevents Potential Food Desert

In 2017, Hayes County Economic Development Corporation (HCEDC) received a Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) of $43,229 to establish a revolving loan fund (RLF). HCEDC contributed $15,000 cash and leveraged $1,500 from the community to provide a more than 27% match for the… [Read More]