Prior to the pandemic, PRWA maintained a fairly low profile, working on select projects as opportunities and needs arose. From 2020-22, PRWA’s activities began ramping up to help secure funding for rural broadband projects in eastern Washington, and we started assisting rural communities in the region with other kinds of projects because there was a need for our services. Our profile has been elevated to an even higher level with the formation of NWRIS (Northwest Rural Investment Strategy), and we are delighted to be participating in several events coming up in the latter half of October.
PRWA is an exhibitor and staff will be presenting at the always fantastic IACC (Infrastructure Assistance Coordinating Council) annually held toward the end October in Wenatchee (October 22-24 this year). This conference is a tremendous resource for tribes and communities looking for funding sources and technical assistance. I’ll be co-presenting about NWRIS with Helen Price-Johnson and Tim O’Connell from the Washington USDA Rural Development office. Staci Nelson, director of grant services for PRWA, will be joining Annalisa Noble and Amelia Alberts to talk about where to find funding for projects. Helen and I have also been asked to talk about NWRIS at the Small Ports Seminar in Chelan October 24, and give a presentation to the Iowa Rural Development Council via their monthly “Zoominar” on October 25.
We are working with partners across the state and nationally to expand our services and geographical reach. I am so happy to see PRWA growing and adding capacity to soon serve all of rural Washington
Take care,
Jody
