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RCAC's Network News August 2010
Volume XXVIII, Number 3
In this issue:
Environmental News
Wendell needed financing to improve wastewater project
RCAC recently closed a loan to the city of Wendell, which helped the city pay engineering fees for improvements to its wastewater project. As the loan was in progress, Blair Koch wrote an article detailing some of the city's needs and challenges.
RCAC receives stimulus funds through national partner Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Inc.
(RCAP) was recently awarded a $5 million grant of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. RCAP will use the economic stimulus funds to provide help to water and wastewater systems in rural communities in addition to its regular programs through on-site technical assistance and training, and publications.
Housing/Health News
Utah self-help housing grantees unite for success
Self-help grantees from throughout Utah gathered recently to share and learn from each other's successes and struggles in administering the self-help program, at the sixth annual Mutual Self-Help Housing Network meeting in Provo, Utah.
Dozens of Utah families helped build homes they now occupy
In an article by Sarah Dallof published April 21, she highlights families who participated in the Mutual Self-Help Housing Program. They worked an average of 35 hours a week to gain “sweat equity” enabling them to afford purchasing a new home.
New Mexico coalition promotes Low-Income Housing Tax Credit changes
In an opinion, policy article by Mark Allison and Ed Rosenthol, which ran in the Albuquerque Journal on June 24, the authors urge Congress to make changes to the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to revive the program and the proceeds.
RCAC rewards outstanding affordable housing volunteer
Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) grants the unique Yoneo Ono award to reward and publicly recognize outstanding rural volunteers in a prestigious, yet fun manner. This year's Yoneo Ono award winner is Kay Clarke Philip.
Loan Fund News
Western rural communities receive more crucial RCAC loans
RCAC Loan Fund’s third quarter of fiscal year 2010 was particularly productive. The quarter, which ended June 30, included more than double the loans closed for either of the organization’s first two quarters, for a total of 16 loans in the third quarter. This quarter resulted in four loans for community facilities, eight for environmental wastewater and drinking water system acquisition and rehab, and four housing projects.
RCAC funders help strengthen rural communities
Foundations, corporations, government entities and other nonprofit organizations support RCAC's work through contributions, investments and fee-for-service contracts. Thanks to their support, RCAC helps create opportunities in rural America.
Success Story
Sumpter receives loan critical for town's wastewater system
For the city of Sumpter, buying 111 acres of land was a major purchase, a huge ordeal and in the end, a reason to celebrate.
General News
RCAC board of directors makes major changes
Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) board of directors elected new officers at its annual meeting. Dr. Florine Raitano, Colorado, is now board president; Elizabeth Moore, Nevada, is vice president; Robert Rendon, Utah, is secretary; and Anita Gahimer Crow, Washington, is treasurer.
Stan Keasling graduates from NeighborWorks® Achieving Excellence in Community Development Program
Stanley Keasling, RCAC chief executive officer (CEO) recently graduated from the NeighborWorks® Achieving Excellence in Community Development program offered in association with Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
RCAC staff members improve personal and organization capacity
RCAC staff members often go above and beyond the job requirements to assist communities. Recently, Chris Marko was elected to a leadership positon for a national organization representing rural communities and Olga Morales was instrumental in ensuring legislation to benefit colonias in New Mexico was approved.
Rural Communities in the West
Sumpter offers rich history and attractive culture
Tucked away in the trees and nestled 4,424 feet above sea level in Oregon's Elkhorn Mountain Range lays the historic gold mining town of Sumpter, Oregon, which some visitors have described as a magical place.
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