The Rural Community Development (RCD) program is dedicated to improving the well-being of residents in small, low-income, rural communities. This is achieved by providing crucial training and technical assistance. This support is specifically designed to aid in the development and maintenance of essential water and wastewater systems. The critical aspect of who is served by this program requires a clear definition, which this article aims to provide, especially concerning population limits.
Understanding the Evolving Definition of “Served” Communities
Initially, the FY 2020 RCD funding opportunity announcement (FOA) defined a rural community narrowly, specifying “a defined rural area with a population less than 2,500.” While many communities fitting this description greatly benefit from RCD grants, this definition proved to be too restrictive. The original intent was to target small communities, but practical application revealed scenarios where limiting the population to 2,500 would exclude eligible and deserving projects. This clarification is crucial to ensure the RCD program effectively reaches all intended beneficiaries and optimizes its impact on rural infrastructure.
Expanding the Scope of “Served Definition” for RCD Eligibility
The served definition under the RCD program is now clarified to encompass situations where the population exceeds 2,500. This expanded definition acknowledges the realities of rural community development and the diverse needs of these areas. Specifically, communities with populations greater than 2,500 can still be served in the following circumstances:
- Regionalization Initiatives: When RCD grants support regional projects aimed at consolidating water systems or fostering collaboration between multiple utilities, the combined population of the served area may exceed 2,500. This approach recognizes that larger-scale projects can be more efficient and sustainable for interconnected rural communities.
- Support for Tribal Entities: Training and technical assistance provided to Tribes and Tribal entities are eligible under the RCD program, even if the populations they serve are greater than 2,500. This is vital for ensuring equitable access to resources for Tribal communities, regardless of population size.
- Communities Lacking Capacity: Small, rural, low-income communities exceeding 2,500 in population can be served if they lack the necessary experience or trained staff to effectively manage and maintain their water systems. This provision ensures that need, rather than strict population limits, guides the distribution of RCD program support.
It’s important to emphasize that while the population threshold is being clarified, all projects funded by RCD grants must continue to align with the program’s overarching goals and eligibility requirements. The core mission remains focused on enhancing the health and well-being of small, low-income, rural communities through improved water and wastewater infrastructure.
Conclusion: Ensuring Effective Service Through a Clear Definition
This clarification of the served definition for rural communities under the RCD program is designed to ensure that vital resources reach the communities that need them most. By moving beyond a rigid population limit and embracing a more nuanced understanding of “served,” the RCD program can more effectively support the development and maintenance of essential water and wastewater systems in rural America, ultimately benefiting the health and prosperity of these communities.
