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RCAC's Network News February 2011
Volume XXIX, Number 2
In this issue:
Environmental News
RCAC reduces energy needs with rooftop solar system
RCAC is pleased to announce a new rooftop-mounted photovoltaic system in its West Sacramento office. The 83.5 kW system is projected to produce 121,233 kWh annually, essentially offsetting more than 60 percent of RCAC’s energy needs during the next 25 years.
The city of Socorro, located in Socorro County in central New Mexico, was recently awarded $1,230,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds through USDA to provide upgrades to install an arsenic treatment plant for two of its water sources. The city has an estimated population just under 9,000. The Socorro Water and Wastewater Utilities serve almost 4,000 connections.
In the interest of providing more technical assistance to ARRA clients, RCAC has created this new section to include in the e-Network News with helpful tips for improving ARRA reporting.
Klamath water cleanup plan EPA approved
Following 13 years of development, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently approved a cleanup of the California portion of the Klamath River to greatly reduce pollution in the river and to restore salmon and other fisheries.
Housing News
Cuellar was an advocate for low-income and underserved populations. He was one of RCAC’s original staff members in 1978, where he worked for more than seven years administering the self-help building program.
RCAC lends more than $8 million to rural projects
RCAC’s Loan Fund closed six housing loans and one environmental loan in its first quarter of fiscal year 2011, lending more than $8 million to rural, disadvantaged communities in the West for much-needed projects. The housing loans included four for construction and two for acquisition in the states of Arizona, California and Utah. The RCAC housing loans will result in 156 multifamily units and five of the six are for projects that will incorporate green building design.
When will housing come back in California? Five experts offer their views
By Alejandro Lazo,
Los Angeles Times
As housing recoveries go, this one is in need of a cure.
Homeownership — and the buying and selling of residences — is an economic keystone that carries overwhelming weight in Californians' personal sense of financial well-being.
RCAC receives more than $1.3 million in HUD housing counseling grants
The Obama Administration announced $73 million in housing counseling and counseling training grants awarded to more than 500 national, regional and local organizations. RCAC will receive $1,366,955.00. In 2010, RCAC's 10-state housing counseling network provided counseling to more than 21,000 clients. The grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) represent a 22 percent increase over last year's funding level.
RCAC leader receives Housing Assistance Council community service award
At its 2010 National Rural Housing Conference, the Housing Assistance Council (HAC) recognized Stan Keasling, RCAC CEO, with the Skip Jason Award.
Winners of Rural Community Assistance Partnership’s (RCAP) national staff awards were announced during a lunchtime banquet held during the organization’s conference, Nov. 30, 2010 to Dec. 2, 2010 in Washington, D.C., which was a training event for RCAP technical assistance providers and other staff from all of RCAP’s six regional partners. Two of the winners are RCAC staff members. RCAC is the western RCAP.
General News
TheBoston Globe reported that 1 in 5 Americans in the West are likely to live in poverty in light of a revised Census formula that includes out-of-pocket medical expenses. The new numbers will not replace official poverty rates.
Health care law benefits rural
The law signed by President Obama in 2009 for revisions to health care is still under scrutiny and many in Congress want to repeal it. This article discusses many benefits to rural resulting from the law, including cost savings and reductions to the budget deficit. The article advises against repealing the law.
Five myths about Indians and Indian tribes
By Henry Flood, governance advisor in Indian Country for more than 20 years
Talking about Indians or Native Americans is nearly always a good conversation starter. Many people have a genuine interest in the wellbeing of Native Americans and many, but not all are sympathetic to Indian issues and rights.
However, there are some myths and stereotypes that come up regularly. Most of these misperceptions arise largely from ignorance rather than malice. Read more >>
Oddz N Ends
Conference and Workshop Calendar
For the love of rural...
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