Strengthening Small Town Infrastructure & Capacity

Maryland Rural Community Assistance Project
(MD-RCAP)

Through partnership with state and federal agencies, community based organizations and local governments, MRDC provides direct technical assistance to 16 (in calendar year 2010) small, rural, low-moderate income communities. Technical assistance includes loan/grant packaging, engineering assistance, administrative and reporting training, workshops and presentations to elected officials.

The MD-RCAP program provides safe water/waste water, solid waste, and local leadership development services throughout rural Maryland. In 2010, 23 low income rural communities received technical assistance on 37 projects a nd initiatives including: 14 Office of Community Service projects, 19 Technitrain, two EPA Drinking Water projects, and two EPA Waste Water projects.

MD-RCAP sponsors and directs training sessions throughout the year. These include workshops on running effective meetings, innovative rural housing strategies, and rural resources for small communities. Additional training includes solid waste management techniques, water and wastewater impacts on low-income communities, and other topics of interest to small communities.

Agriculture, Education & Rural Development Assistance Act (AER&DA) Fund Development

MRDC worked in partnership with the Rural Maryland Council and other rural service providers to testify and support the AE&RDA fund during the 2004 Legislative session.

Small Town Circuit Rider Program

Many of Maryland’s small rural municipalities lack the fiscal means to support full time Administrative Personnel. The Maryland Rural Development Corporation's Circuit Rider Program provides professional Town Managers to support these municipalities with technical assistance in financial administration, land planning and zoning initiatives, grant preparation & administration and overall administrative oversight.

Applicant Jurisdiction(s) Demographic Profile

All applying entities meet median income limits for federal and State of Maryland financial assistance (USDA/Rural Development or Community Development Block Grant) for community infrastructure and public works projects.

The Maryland Rural Development Corporation maintains a project service target area including the five county region of Caroline, Kent, Queen Anne, Cecil and Dorchester counties.

Participating Jurisdictions - County

• Church Creek - Dorchester
• Eldorado - Dorchester
• Galestown - Dorchester
• Vienna - Dorchester
• Brookview - Dorchester
• Goldsboro - Caroline
• Henderson - Caroline
• Marydel - Caroline
• Millington - Kent
• Charlestown - Cecil
• Betterton - Cecil
• Sudlersville - Queen Anne

Head Start | Housing Services | Transportation | Community Services