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Storms, floods, and tornadoes have slammed rural parts of the U.S. over the last few weeks – battering outdated infrastructure in rural areas with the fewest resources.
As storms become more intense, more frequent, and occur earlier in the season, rural communities are at increased risk.
While rural Americans make up just 14% of the population, they constitute 35% of FEMA's designated "Community Disaster Resilience Zones (CRDZs)," areas that have historically been left behind when it comes to accessing capital and federal resources.
Some communities have waited years for assistance from federal agencies like HUD to come through and allow residents to rebuild after devastating hurricanes or other natural disasters.
So much of this post-disaster red tape is caused because legislation is stuck in a cycle of obstruction where it is passed on a temporary basis and must be renewed. Both the Farm Bill and the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery programs need to be reauthorized every so often, causing a tug-of-war over what's included and its costs as they work their way toward a vote on the floor.
With the right folks in office and the needs and concerns of rural Americans at the top of their priority list, we can bulldoze through this red tape and deliver sensible change to rural communities. But that requires the support and backing of folks like you. If you're able, consider making a contribution to help get permanent fixes passed in Congress this year!
Rural America is ready for real solutions and investments in modern infrastructure that will make it a safe and attractive place to live, raise a family, and start a business. We can be on the cutting edge of real change that will transform rural counties across the country.
We're in. Are you?
Tessa
Tessa Gould
Executive Director, One Country Project
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Founded by former U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), the One Country Project is dedicated to reopening the dialogue with rural communities, rebuilding trust and respect, and advancing an opportunity agenda for rural Americans. Our mission is to ensure rural America’s priorities and values are heard, understood, well-represented and reflected in policy in Washington.
Your financial contribution supports our work to promote greater opportunities for rural communities.
If you're able, please join our rural champions program by making a recurring gift. Knowing we can count on your gift each month really helps.
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