Storms, floods, and tornadoes slam rural parts of the U.S. every year like clockwork – battering outdated infrastructure in places with the fewest resources.

As storms become more intense, more frequent, and occur earlier in the season, rural communities are at increased risk.

Rural Americans make up 14% of the population, but they constitute 35% of FEMA's designated "Community Disaster Resilience Zones" – areas that are uniquely vulnerable to climate disasters and have been historically left behind when it comes to accessing capital and federal resources.

Some communities have waited years for assistance from federal agencies like HUD to officially allow residents to rebuild after devastating hurricanes or other natural disasters.

So much of this post-disaster red tape is caused by funding cuts and cycles of obstruction where funding is passed only on a temporary basis and must be renewed, causing a tug-of-war over what will be included and what it will cost.

Both the Farm Bill and the Disaster Recovery Community Development Block Grants are examples of programs that need to be reauthorized every few years and often end up lingering in purgatory.

We can deliver real solutions and permanent fixes by investing in modern infrastructure, better agricultural practices, and rural development, but only if our leaders in charge make safety and resilience a top priority.

If we choose to be on the cutting edge of real transformation, we will make rural towns into safe and attractive places to live, raise a family, and start a business.

Heidi

Heidi Heitkamp, Former U.S. Senator for North Dakota
Founder, One Country Project