Rural Community Peer Program

What is the Rural Community Peer Program?
The Rural Community Peer Program provides communities with opportunities to learn from other community successes. Many peer visits will be based on visits to another community. Other peer learning may occur by bringing a resource person or persons to a community to share the strategies and techniques that made their project successful. In either case participants have an opportunity for direct dialogue about the partnerships, agreements and activities that led to a successful project.

Who is Eligible to Apply?
The program is targeted to smaller rural community officials and/or leaders who are planning a community or economic development project for their town or region.

What Costs are eligible?
Applicants may apply for an amount up to $350 to pay for or minimize the costs of the visit. The Department will pay all previously approved costs on a reimbursement basis. Mileage will be paid consistent with state travel standards of $. 485 a mile if a personal vehicle is used. Rentals are eligible if this is the most cost effective option. Meals will be reimbursed at the state per diem of $30 for a full day or per diem rates for partial days. These are breakfast at $7.50, lunch at $10.50 and dinner at $16.50. Lodging is eligible if the visit is more than a day. Receipts must be provided for reimbursement. All projected costs must be approved during the application process.

What is Required after the Visit?
A report must be completed thirty-days following the visit (Attachment B). The report identifies what was learned and how the information will be applied in the development of the applicant’s project. Receipts for previously approved travel are also required at this time. For more information, contact Hank Ebert at (208) 334-2650 X2141 or e-mail Hank.