What is the Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Program?
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RC&D is a non-biased rural development program, focusing on the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources to improve the standard of living in our area. It joins forces with individuals, agencies, and groups to improve the social, economic, and environmental opportunities of the local area.
The RC&D program, first authorized by the Food and Agriculture Act of 1962, P. L. 87-703, received permanent authorization as part of the 2002 Farm Bill. The Natural Resources Conservation Service administers the program. This act directs the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to help local units of government conserve and properly utilize natural resources in solving local problems. Local citizens who are aware of the problems or opportunities first hand provide leadership and work together to set program priorities. A variety of individuals, government agencies, organizations, environmental groups, and business institutions provide assistance to these local people in accomplishing their program goals.
Central New York Resource Conservation & Development area was organized in 1964 and federally authorized on October 10, 1967.
Across America, nearly 400 RC&Ds bring people together to develop and implement solutions to widespread issues and develop opportunities that help sustain rural communities, local economies, and natural resources. RC&Ds serve over 75% of U.S. counties. About half of all Council members are locally elected officials. RC&Ds activate community support with 30,000 volunteers. For every dollar appropriated by Congress for RC&Ds, Councils have leveraged over $14 million from other sources.
Who are the Local Sponsors?
Each RC&D area covers several counties and is run by a council or committee representing the sponsoring organizations. The Central NY RC&D area in Central New York encompasses the following twelve counties: Broome, Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Madison, Onondaga, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, Tioga and Tompkins counties. The county legislatures and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts sponsor the CNY RC&D area. The CNY RC&D area has a council made of up to three representatives from each county.
Who Provides Assistance?
RC&D Councils have broad authority to seek help from the sources they feel are best qualified to provide needed assistance. Help may be technical assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, other federal agencies, state agencies, local government, organizations, associations, or private industry. Help may be financial assistance in the form of donations, loans, grants, or cost-sharing programs. The CNY RC&D is incorporated and is classified as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.