What can you do to bring economic development to your rural communities? Is it possible without large corporations or out of town investors that may not understand the needs of your community? Perhaps your community should consider investment cooperatives.

The Lakota phrase mni wasté translates to mean good water, which is what Mni Wasté Water Company’s 13 staff strive to deliver to the residents of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and surrounding area every day.

New Bethlehem Fire Company Attack Unit's new fire truck did not take long to prove its worth. On Nov. 28, just after 6 p.m., the company responded to a barn fire in the furthest possible location in their service area.

The barn was located on a small dirt road that prior to their new pumper truck acquisition was unreachable. The company was the first unit to arrive on scene.

"Boy, you got here quickly," Ed Goth, an emergency medical technician, with the fire company, recalled the property owner saying upon arrival. 

At USDA Rural Development West Virginia, we are advocates for, investors in, and partners to rural communities and the people, businesses, local governments, and organizations within those communities. We’re here to help rural communities overcome obstacles and work with them to make sure they have the tools they need to create a brighter future. Look no further than in Barbour County, West Virginia to find a perfect example of this commitment.

A dream was realized in 1990 when Nowell “Shorty” Hofer began construction on Shorty’s Locker and retail store on the edge of Mitchell. When Shorty passed away from cancer in 2021, he left a hole in the community and an uncertain future for the local meat locker.

Traverse City, Michigan is a rural community on the shores of lake Michigan. A city with a strong year-round recreation economy and a vibrant downtown filled with independent businesses. Many business owners have struggled to locate commercial space, as well as retain employees. 

• Environmental Assessment
• Appendices

• Environmental Assessment
• Appendix A

Volunteer fire departments are an integral part of the communities they serve, carrying on a proud tradition of neighbor helping neighbor in times of trouble. Each member is committed to maintaining readiness to respond to every call, but those working in rural communities like Cartersville, Va., must often act on incomplete information due to spotty cell coverage.

Under the Rural Electrification Act of 1936, as amended, the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), is considering a request for loan financing from Minnkota to replace aging, 1940’s era wood transmission line structures along approximately 25.5 total miles of existing 69 kilovolt (kV) transmission line. The Project runs from east of Minnkota’s Maple River substation in Cass County, North Dakota to the Buffalo River substation in Clay County, Minnesota.