Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP)
The Great Lakes Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) provides solutions for small communities for a variety of needs, and is part of the nationwide Rural Community Assistance Partnership network. Great Lakes RCAP serves a seven-state region that includes Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin.
Great Lakes RCAP Services by State
New — Planning for Pandemics Toolkit
In response to growing concern over the global spread of the coronavirus that may reach the level of a pandemic outbreak, the Ohio Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) has developed a Planning for Pandemics Toolkit for small water systems to help prepare for a pandemic. The toolkit includes informative flyers on the coronavirus and sanitation, as well as and a continuity of operations plan template that can be used to prepare for any pandemic (coronavirus, influenza, etc.).
It's always best to be prepared! Should your operator or other key personnel fall ill, how will your water or sewer system continue to operate? RCAP offered a short webinar in March to explain how small water and sewer systems can develop a plan for pandemics and other illness-related conditions.
If you missed our March 16 Pandemic Preparedness webinar, you may listen at:
3.16.20 Pandemic Preparedness Webinar
Password to access the recording: 2BePrepared
About RCAP
RCAP can help communities:
- Gain access to safe drinking water supplies, protect groundwater supplies and watersheds, and treat and properly dispose of wastewater
- Plan and finance infrastructure projects
- Administer grants
- Understand state and federal environmental regulations and requirements
- Responsibly manage and operate community facilities
- Prepare energy audits and environmental reports
- Develop rate studies and asset management plans
- Conduct vulnerability assessments and develop emergency response planning
- Develop a vision for the future and build leadership capacity in the community
Media
About National RCAP
National Rural Community Assistance Partnership
Director Nathan Ohle discusses the role RCAP plays in
helping small communities.
Wastewater Systems in Your Community
Senior Rural Development Specialist Bud Mason
for GLCAP/RCAP, gives an overview of
wastewater collection systems.
Good Water Practices
Learn about how you can help your community's
wastewater systems through responsible
home water usage.
It's All About the Data
What can Geographic Information System (GIS)
data do for communities? A lot. Watch to learn
more about GIS.
Regional RCAP Staff
Kristin Woodall
Director
419-332-2029
klwoodall@glcap.org
Deb Martin
Program Development Coordinator
419-334-5117
dcmartin@glcap.org
Angie McConnell
Loan and Grant Specialist
419-332-2008
ammcconnell@glcap.org
Robin Ross
MIS Coordinator
419-332-8145
rdross@glcap.org
Bud Mason
Regional RCAP Coordinator
740-341-2536
cmason@glcap.org
Valerie Van Fleet
Program Assistant
419-333-6074
vjvanfleet@glcap.org
Federal loans available for water well improvements
Low-interest loans are currently available via the Household Water Well Program for rural residents in need of water well improvements. Through the Great Lakes Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP), residents may borrow up to $11,000 for improvements to water wells and in-home water treatment systems. Loans carry an interest rate of 1 percent; loan maturity may not exceed 20 years and depends on the borrower’s repayment ability.
Kenny shares rural economic growth strategies at national conference
Small communities may not have as many resources as metropolitan areas, but can still use available resources to grow. This was the focus of Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (formerly WSOS Community Action Commission) Community Development Coordinator Ben Kenny’s presentation, "Economic Development in a Rural Community Action Agency," at the National Community Action Partnership Conference, Aug. 29-Sept. 1 in Philadelphia.
Private Well Assistance
GLCAP can assist you if you own a home in a rural area and use well water supplies. We can help assess the quality of your water well and provide low-interest..
Community Loan Fund
Learn how the GLCAP Community Loan Fund provides loans for facility improvements.
Planning & Development
See how we use our 50 years experience in planning and development services to help benefit communities.
Grant Writing Services
Our planning and development professionals have a long record of writing successful grant applications. Learn more today.