Idaho rural towns get makeovers through grant program [Video]

TWIN FALLS — Cheryl Viola is a connector.

As an economic development professional for the nonprofit Rural Economic Development organization, Viola helps connect businesses and people in rural communities of less than 10,000 people in southern Idaho to spearhead revitalization projects. The revitalization projects fall under the banner of Rural Economic Development’s Operation Facelift.

A welcome sign in Castleford highlights the town’s population of 236 “more or less” and celebrates the community’s state championships in boys basketball, football and golf. The sign was recently restored through Operation Facelift with sponsorship from Blue Cross of Idaho.

The revitalization projects range from investing in new welcome signs in a small community to painting murals, installing new benches or refurbishing a park. The intent of Operation Facelift is to entice new businesses and residents to small communities, Viola said.

“I market the projects mostly across social media, doing call outs to get businesses to help sponsor and donate,” she said.

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