The Rural Community Development (RCD) program plays a crucial role in enhancing the health and well-being of residents in small, low-income, rural communities. This is achieved by providing essential training and technical assistance to support the development and maintenance of vital water and wastewater systems. To ensure the RCD program effectively reaches its intended beneficiaries, it’s important to clarify the definition of “served” within this context, particularly concerning community size.
Initially, the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 RCD funding opportunity announcement (FOA) defined a rural community narrowly, limiting it to “a defined rural area with a population less than 2,500.” However, to better address the diverse needs of rural areas, a clarification was issued to broaden this definition. This clarification acknowledges that while many communities served by RCD grantees are indeed small, with populations under 2,500, the scope of the RCD program extends further.
The activities supported by RCD grants can encompass projects that serve communities exceeding the 2,500 population threshold under specific circumstances. These include:
- Regionalization Initiatives: RCD grants support regionalization efforts aimed at water system consolidation or utility collaboration across multiple communities. In such cases, the combined population of these collaborating communities may exceed 2,500, yet they collectively benefit from the program’s assistance.
- Tribal and Tribal Entity Support: Recognizing the unique needs of Tribal communities, RCD grants extend to providing training and technical assistance to water and wastewater systems serving Tribes and Tribal entities, even when their populations exceed 2,500. This ensures that these communities have access to the resources necessary for sustainable water management.
- Addressing Capacity Limitations in Larger Communities: Even within rural communities with populations greater than 2,500, there may be instances where communities lack the necessary experience or adequately trained staff to effectively manage their water needs and maintain their water systems. RCD grants can be utilized to address these capacity gaps, ensuring that these communities receive the essential support to overcome their challenges.
Therefore, the definition of communities “served” by RCD grants is not strictly limited to those with populations under 2,500. As long as the project activities align with the overarching goals and eligibility requirements of the RCD program, communities exceeding this population size can also be considered as being served. This broadened definition ensures that the RCD program can effectively address the diverse needs of small, low-income, rural communities, fostering healthier living environments and improved well-being for their residents through robust water and wastewater infrastructure.
