Rural Community Assistance ProgramsRural Community Assistance Programs (RCAPs) are regional, nonprofit organizations whose mission it is to assist small, rural communities address their water and waste disposal problems. They provide technical assistance and training to help communities with the management, financing, planning and development of new and existing facilities; to advise operators on the financial, technical and managerial aspects of operating water and wastewater systems ; and to help communities stay in compliance with federal water regulations. We began working with the six regional RCAPs on federal funding and policy issues in 1981. At that time, the RCAPs had one funding source. Although there was substantial need for improved water and wastewater facilities in rural areas and very little technical assistance available, the RCAPs, as a relatively new network, had not come to the full attention of federal policymakers. Fast-Forward :Over the years we have been instrumental in raising the visibility of the RCAPs with federal policymakers and Members of Congress, dra matically increasing funding for the RCAPs, and diversifying their funding sources. In the toughest of budget environments we have managed to thwart attempts to cut or divert RCAPs funding. Working with supportive Members of Congress who have seen the important work of the RCAPs in their districts' rural communities, we have been able to increase RCAP funding from $1.8 million to over $15 million annually. Our expertise in federal rural development policy has benefited not just the RCAPs but all our rural development clients. Over the years, Rapoza Associates has prepared a number of reports on rural development issues. In particular, we have developed a number of reports to analyze the state of community water systems and the effectiveness of the federal government in responding to their needs, and to document the need for additional federal funding for rural water and disposal financing. Our publications include:
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