RCAC's Network News November 2009

Volume XXVIII, Number 1

In this issue:

Environmental News

Central Valley continues marathon fight for clean drinking water

David McNeir is a bishop of his church and a man of faith. But he has found himself banging his hand on a table more than once when negotiating with public health authorities for clean drinking water.

Morales named EPA working group member

Olga Morales, RCAC environmental rural development specialist, has been named a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Climate Ready Water Utilities Working Group.

Housing/Health News

502 loan packaging training hits the mark

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development’s 502 Direct Loan Program has received more attention in recent months, particularly in light of conventional lenders tightening credit in the wake of the economic crisis.

USDA officials visit two successful self-help grantees

Dave Conine appointed USDA RD state director

The Obama Administration recently appointed former RCAC staff member Dave Conine as USDA Rural Development state director for Utah.

Loan Fund News

RCAC lending capital available

Thanks to a significant number of new investments in the second and third quarters of 2009, RCAC’s Loan Fund currently has capital to lend for affordable housing, community facilities and community water and waste water projects.

Hot Topics

2010 census helps provide funds for community development

The U. S. Census Bureau is the authoritative source of information about the nation’s population characteristics, such as how many people live where, income, employment, poverty, ethnicity and housing status.

Success Stories

Pupukahi i holomua - unite to move forward

To the Kawela Plantation Homeowner’s Association, the Hawaiian proverb “Pupukahi i holomua,” which has been handed down from generation to generation, has special meaning.

Shade trees benefit Fresno County community health

San Joaquin leadership training group planted 50 trees in their town to improve health and walking conditions for farm workers and their families.

Rural Communities in the West

Sweet melon capital of the World

Rocky Ford is a quiet agricultural community with a population of more than 4,200 located in the Arkansas Valley of southeastern Colorado; a historical community with a warm blend of “times-gone-by” atmosphere and modern conveniences.

Oddz N Ends

Conference and Workshop Calendar