SUSTAINABILITY FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES 
Small and rural communities rely on access to affordable loan and grant opportunities through USDA Rural Development to make repairs, upgrades, and to build new critical infrastructure for their communities. 
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While affordable financing is a vital component for these communities, it is not the complete solution. After these projects are completed, the need for training for water and wastewater operators does not go away. Technical assistance ensures the government’s and public’s investment is secured. For small and rural communities to remain sustainable, they need ongoing training and technical assistance. 

​LAST YEAR, CIRCUIT RIDERS HELPED TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF 30,721,691 PEOPLE - 42% OF RURAL AMERICA.

Technical assistance for small and rural communities includes providing training, energy audits, certification, financial management, environmental compliance, governance, and on-site technical assistance necessary to ensure that water and wastewater facilities operate at the highest possible level. Through the grants provided through USDA WEP, these services are provided at no cost through technical assistance providers like NRWA and its State Affiliates. The loss of funding for this essential technical assistance will jeopardize the sustainability of rural water systems and their communities. System managers will be forced to choose between not addressing ongoing operational and management issues or contracting for these services at steep costs. 

Today’s Congressional policies and funding decisions are jeopardizing the sustainability of every community in rural America. Budget cuts will leave USDA WEP unable to accomplish its mission. WEP is instrumental in helping rural America ensure their communities are sustainable now and into the future. 

The South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS) is delighted to announce Jeremiah Corbin as its new Executive Director, succeeding Kurt Pfeifle who retired in April. Jeremiah assumes the role after a distinguished tenure at SDARWS, where he has served since 2009.

Corbin joined SDARWS as a Source Water Protection Specialist, demonstrating a deep commitment to safeguarding South Dakota's water resources. His dedication and expertise propelled him to the position of Field Program Supervisor in 2021, where he continued to excel in advancing the organization's mission.

"With over a decade of invaluable service to SDARWS, Jeremiah embodies our core values and has consistently shown exceptional leadership," Lloyd Poppens, SDARWS President "His comprehensive understanding of rural water systems and unwavering dedication make him the ideal choice to lead SDARWS into its next chapter."

Corbin expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, "I am honored to step into the position of Executive Director at SDARWS. Building on the foundation laid by Kurt Pfeifle and our dedicated team, I look forward to continuing our efforts to provide sustainable water solutions and support to our members across South Dakota."
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Under Corbin's leadership, SDARWS remains committed to its mission of ensuring safe, reliable water services for rural communities throughout South Dakota. His appointment marks a new era of innovation and growth for the organization.