The intent of this project was to reach communities, and organizations that did not have the means to hire a professional web designer so that they could have a presence on the web.  It was not to compete with professional web design services.  Therefore, rather than developing custom websites for each client, the Center worked with Louisiana Tech Students in Technical Writing classes to develop attractive, high quality templates for websites specifically designed for community web pages, and for non-profits such as museums and arts organizations.  These templates are on the Center for Rural Development's website and are be available for use by any community in Louisiana (or elsewhere) that wishes to use them.  The Center’s staff used these templates as the basis for their work.  The Center also developed a set of questionnaires for each template to help communities and organizations collect and organize information that they will need for their website.  Other resources for web design are also available on this site.

The Center developed websites for project participants using these templates.  They assisted the community in putting up their site.  They also provided the software needed to maintain the site.  In addition, the Center for Rural Development provided trainings to the participating communities and non-profit organizations to teach them to maintain and evaluate the performance of their website so that they were not dependant on outside assistance for routine website changes.  Information about how to update and maintain a website is also available on this website.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital or family status.  Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the USDA's TARGET Center at 202-720-2600 (voice and TDD).

To file a complaint of discrimination, write the USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C., 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.