A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC's affiliated entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.
GSCA Meets with Investors in San Francisco and Los Angeles
Last week, RCRC's Senior Vice President, Craig Ferguson, and Chief Economic Development Officer, Barbara Hayes, along with UTOPIA Fiber's President Roger Timmerman and the external finance team for Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) traveled to Los Angeles and San Francisco to meet with broadband investors and discuss GSCA's broadband deployment projects. These meetings mark a significant step in laying the groundwork for deploying GSCA's open-access municipal broadband network across the organization's member counties.
To learn more about GSCA's Open-Access municipal model and efforts to install internet fiber, visit www.goldenstateconnect.org.
RAI Relaunches with Impactful Mission and New Logo!
Rural Alliance, Inc. (RAI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit benefit corporation created in 1999, has adopted a mission statement and launched a new logo! RAI has been dormant for most of its existence, but was recently revitalized by the RAI Board of Directors in late 2022. Under its new mission, RAI aims to “facilitate research and educational opportunities that advance the understanding of issues impacting rural California amongst policymakers and the public.”
The purpose of RAI is to strengthen applied research regarding regional rural problems as well as to educate the public and policy makers on the collective problems and possible alternative approaches for the benefit of rural communities.
If you are interested in learning more about RAI, see the informational flyer here.
Rural Counties' Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) Tours Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA) Facilities
On Friday, May 5th, ESJPA staff, WPWMA staff, legislative and committee staff, as well as staff from CalRecycle toured the WPWMA Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and Western Regional Sanitary Landfill with Program Manager Eric Oddo. The visit created an opportunity to learn about local operations; plans for increased organics processing in compliance with SB 1383; and innovative approaches the Authority is taking to integrate novel technologies into waste management practices. These facilities were designed to recover recyclable materials from mixed waste; process green and wood wastes for composting or biomass; receive and process source-separated recyclables; and provide for receipt and recycling/disposal of household hazardous waste. A major overhaul is planned for these facilities over the next several years which will allow WPWMA to enhance existing operations and utilize flexible technology to respond to new markets and regulatory requirements. This is the second tour ESJPA has taken this year, with the first taking place at the Yolo County Central Landfill in February. ESJPA is planning additional tours for this calendar year to explore more solid waste facilities.