What's Happening!

Read more about Midwest Assistance Program, Inc. (MAP) current events, relevant topics, articles, and resources. ​

MAP, Inc. Holds All Staff Conference in Rapid City, South Dakota

June 24th - 28th, 2024, Midwest Assistance Program, Inc. staff from all nine states congregated together in Rapid City, South Dakota, for their annual all-staff conference. Staff engaged in networking, training, and heard stories from other staffers experiences in the field. 

South Dakota Tackles Tribal Solid Waste Management

MAP worked with a tribal nation to assist them with updating their solid waste management system utilities, budgeting and more. Read the full study to the right. 

Complying with Rural Development Loans and Finance Officer Training

MAP worked with the City of South Shore, South Dakota and provided Finance Officer training, reviewed and updated city ordinances, and facilitated construction for a water improvement project. 

Emergency Response Planning - Mercer, North Dakota

By implementing an Emergency Response Plan and Vulnerability Assessment, the City of Mercer, North Dakota will be well-prepared to promptly address any potential threats to the water system.

RCAP Outstanding Service and Leadership Award

Shelly Underwood, MAP, Inc. Field Manager State of Kansas received the Outstanding Service Award from Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)
Brian Day, MAP, Inc. Field Manager State of North Dakota received the Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) of the Year from Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP)​

Building Sustainable Utility Workforce

It is important to retain current operators by training them to be skilled workers that can perform the requirements for today's high-tech environment. By Derrick Luebbe, Project Manager/Technical Assistance Provider.

Water & Wastewater Recruiting Approaches

MAP, Inc. works hand-in-hand with small communities on administration functions and tackling tough challenges such as how to fill the vital role of an operator or clerk. 

Advocating for Rural Communities

MAP, Inc. Wyoming Field Manager Tyrel Owens met with United States Representative of Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman to advocate for rural issues and reinforce the importance of programs for rural economic development and water and wastewater infrastructure. Thank you for the opportunity to share the challenges rural systems face and discuss the technical assistance MAP, Inc. offers to provide local solutions. 
​

High Levels of Ammonia in Wastewater System

Article by Monte Kerchal, Project Manager for Midwest Assistance Program highlights the challenges of ammonia in wastewater systems.

​Are Nitrates a Risk Factor in Your Groundwater?

Article by Shelly Underwood,
State Field Manager for
Midwest Assistance Program
is featured in the
​Rural Community Assistance
Partnership RCAP Rural Matters.

Private Wells: In-Depth Panel Discussion

Jesse Campbell, Private Well Coordinator for Midwest Assistance Program, Inc. participated in a panel broadcast, focused on providing information for private well owners.

Wastewater Infrastructure Maintenance

Brett Brehm, Project Manager in Minnesota discusses how to prolong your system's life and prevent problems before they start with these tips and best practices. Featured in RCAP's Rural Matters 2023 Wastewater Issue 

Rural Community Development Program

The Rural Community Development Program from the Office of Community Services provides training and technical assistance grants to build capacity to create, expand, and maintain safe, affordable water and wastewater systems in rural areas. 

Solid Waste Success

LeAnn Kerzman, State Field Manager for South Dakota discusses how the Oglala Sioux Tribe of the Pine Ridge Reservation addressed the lack of capacity within their existing landfill in RCAP's Rural Matter's.

Beneath the Lid

MAP Project Manager Kevin Coldsmith illustrates no matter how safety-conscious you are, it only takes one lapse, one mistake, one short cut to change everything. Safety measures should be followed 100% of the time when working in manholes.

Addressing Aging Infrastructure

How one rural community addressed the issues facing their aging infrastructure. The community's continued growth and vibrancy is directly intertwined with the state of its water and wastewater infrastructure. Article by Project Manager Steve Shope.