Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated's State Revolving Fund Workshop Highlights Solutions For Rural Water Funding Challenges

Event spotlights strategies to help rural communities better access critical federal water infrastructure dollars

The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) convened federal and state leaders, technical assistance providers and local officials in Seattle, Washington the 2025 National State Revolving Fund (SRF) Infrastructure Financing & Training Workshop, underscoring the urgent need to ensure rural and Tribal communities can navigate and access critical federal water infrastructure funding.

State Revolving Funds, administered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and state agencies, are among the largest sources of financing for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in the nation. Yet for many rural communities, these funds remain out of reach due to complex application requirements, limited staff capacity and the high upfront costs of project planning. Without targeted technical assistance and support, the communities most in need of investment risk being left behind.

The workshop served as a platform to address these barriers head-on, offering training on innovative financing models, affordability mapping and integrating SRF dollars with other funding sources to maximize impact. Case studies from across the country highlighted rural communities that have successfully overcome funding challenges through partnerships with RCAP and its regional affiliates.

“The State Revolving Funds are a lifeline for communities seeking to replace failing infrastructure, but only if they can access them,” said RCAP Chief Executive Officer Olga Morales-Pate. “By building local capacity, simplifying funding processes and ensuring technical assistance is available where it’s needed most, we can help rural communities secure the resources they need to thrive.”

The event came as federal policymakers continue to debate the future of infrastructure investment.

“Rural and Tribal communities are often the most in need of water infrastructure investment, yet face the steepest barriers to securing it,” said RCAP Director of Capacity Development and Outreach Lisa Fought. “This workshop helps community leaders better understand and navigate the funding process so they can move essential projects forward to protect public health and strengthen long-term resilience.”

For more information, visit www.rcap.org

About The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP)
The Rural Community Assistance Partnership Incorporated (RCAP) is a national network of nonprofit partners working to provide technical assistance, training, resources, and support to rural communities across every state, the U.S. territories, and Tribal lands. Through RCAP’s regional partners, more than 350 technical assistance providers (TAPs) build long-term, trusted relationships with thousands of communities across the country.