Mayors Partnership for Progress

ILGARD, realizing the significance of the Mayors Partnership for Progress, sought their help...

During year one of the Networks for Rural Policy Development Project issues related to water and sewer infrastructure were examined through an extensive interview process in an 11-county region in southern and southeast Ohio. All 11 counties are within the designated Appalachian region, eight of which are designated as ‘distressed' by the Appalachian Regional Commission. ILGARD conducted 27 interviews with local community leaders and external resource professionals on the topic of sewer and water infrastructure projects and the ultimate impact on community and economic development in small rural communities. The interview framework that was used to conduct each interview is detailed below, in addition to a summary of interview results.