North Dakota Rural Water Systems Association - News and Facts from NDRW

North Dakota Rural Water representatives recently attended the National Rural Water Rally in Washington, D.C. The Rally provides an opportunity for supporters of our industry to make their case directly to their elected officials. Rural Water Associations in each state schedule meetings with Representatives, Senators, and their staff, so that they can share the Rural Water success story, answer questions, and build important relationships. Attending the Rural Water Rally also provides a unique opportunity to meet with association leaders and watch the Great American Water Taste Test in person. North Dakota was represented in the taste test by the Southwest Water Authority.

North Dakota sent a small, but powerful group to D.C. this year. We had great meetings with each of our Congressional Delegation. During our meetings, we discussed Rural Water project funding from USDA-Rural Development, USEPA, and the Bureau of Reclamation. There is an abundance of Federal dollars for water projects, but supply chain issues and increased project costs are huge hurdles to overcome. We are all hoping things straighten out so projects can be completed in a timely manner and come in on budget. Both Senator Hoeven and Cramer and Congressman Armstrong are incredibly supportive of our initiatives and offered their support.

It is especially important to remember that all politics start locally, and the grassroots force is the most powerful form of advocacy.

On a side note, it was unseasonably cool during our visit to our Nation’s Capital, but the cherry blossoms were in bloom.

Eric Volk, Executive Director, NDRWSA