SERCAP Programs for Community & Government Groups

Today’s community leaders are challenged to make decisions to ensure the future safety and integrity of their community’s infrastructure. SERCAP’s technical experts help town managers, mayors, town clerks, and other community leaders to determine needs and secure funding and support for structural and economic development. We guide community leaders to implement systems and processes that are sustainable for the long haul, and foster economic growth and a desirable quality of life for years to come.

Technical Assistance (TA) for Community Water/Wastewater Systems and Communities

SERCAP’s Community Planning Program delivers technical expertise and training support to elected officials and government leaders  as they plan for their community’s long-term water, wastewater and housing success. We also support community  leaders, and their communities, with emergency preparedness planning, asset management and budgeting for long-term system and equipment needs.

Environmental Justice Program

SERCAP’s Environmental Justice Program brings the essence of SERCAP’s mission to life. SERCAP’s programs are focused on bringing clean, safe drinking water and environmentally sound wastewater facilities to low-to-moderate income rural communities and minority populations, especially when they have been overlooked by other groups and organizations.

SERCAP’s environmental justice technical assistance providers (TAPs) serve as advocates and technical experts to deliver technical assistance to communities facing water/wastewater infrastructure challenges due to environmental justice issues. The following services are a sample of how SERCAP helps ensure equal access to a healthy environment in all seven states in SERCAP’s service region.

  • Supporting community members, community leaders, and water and wastewater utility staff with applications for funding to complete upgrades to water and wastewater infrastructure 
  • Convening public meetings to explain challenges and critical infrastructure needs to community members, leaders, and the general public 
  • Advocating for rate increase freezes and improved water and wastewater infrastructure

Water/Wastewater Operator and Management Training for Water/Wastewater Operators, Community Leaders, and Community/Utility Boards

SERCAP’s water operator/wastewater management training for community leaders, boards, and utilities delivers technical assistance and training to rural community and utility leaders. This training supports rural communities in the following ways:

  • Meeting and maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies;
  • Strengthening utility infrastructure efficiency and sustainability; and
  • Delivering water and wastewater operators with required continuing education units (CEUs).

SERCAP’s water/wastewater operator training and management training for utilities, boards, and community leaders is available in all seven states in SERCAP’s service region.

Facilities Development Grant Program

The SERCAP Facilities Development Grant Program, certified by the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), provides grant funds for community development projects focused on water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

Community Development Loan Program

The SERCAP Loan Fund Program, certified by the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), provides loans to local governments, public service authorities, homeowner associations, nonprofit organizations, and other community entities for the development and/or construction of large-scale community projects. Communities in VA, MD, DE, NC, SC, GA, and FL can borrow up to $250,000 at an interest rate ranging between 3% and 7% for development projects like building a new water/wastewater treatment facility, installing water/wastewater laterals for a low-income development or neighborhood, repairing/replacing a water storage tank, or any other valuable community development project.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

SERCAP provides grant administration and/or Housing Rehabilitation Specialist services to local governments that have received Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) from the Virginia Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) for housing rehabilitation projects. If your community has been awarded funds through CDBG and you are interested in SERCAP providing housing rehabilitation services, contact SERCAP’s Housing Department at (540) 345-1184, for more information.

Call (540) 345-1184 or Email Us

Get Volunteers

SERCAP’s Volunteers for Change (VFC) Alternative Break Program gives college students an opportunity to serve Virginia communities in need during their spring break. Students volunteer to engage in a wide range of service-learning activities in communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia, including: Town of Narrows, Newport, Roanoke, Town of Glasgow, Apple Ridge Farm, Town of Clinchco, Town of St. Paul, Town of Honaker, the American Legion Post #3, and the Allegheny Mountain Institute. In addition to providing 30 to 35 hours of community service during their week of service, each student makes a financial contribution of $150 to the community they are serving, further investing in the well-being of the community as a whole.

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