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New Stuff!!!

RESOURCE CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT WEEK

The week of September 22 - September 26 has been proclaimed Resource Conservation and Development Week. The Resource Conservation and Development Program is a grassroots movement sponsored by the USDA - Natural Resources Conservation Services and encourages partnerships at all levels to seek solutions for community and environmental problems. Rural communities are the foundation of the ethics, morals and values of our great country and the De-Go-La Resource Conservation and Development Project has accomplished many great things benefiting local rural communities in the thirty-five years it has been in existence.

 

 

Texas Agricultural Technical Assistance Program

Investing in our communities through improved energy efficiency in farming operations is a win-win opportunity for Texas Agriculture. Energy-efficient farms reduce energy cost, increase available capital, spur economic growth, and improve agriculture's working environment. The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, State Energy Conservation Office (SECO) has created the Texas Agriculture Technical Assistance Program. This program will provide Texas Agricultural producers with FREE Energy Assessment Reports (EARs) for their farming operations. The EARs will identify and make recommendations on opportunities to save energy within the farm operations. SECO has contracted with EnSave, Inc. to administer the program. EnSave also has a partnership with the National Association of RC&D Councils. This partnership will allow the RC&D Councils, SECO and EnSave to work together with all the Texas councils to maximize energy efficiency activities within Agriculture, including FREE EARs. All agricultural producers in Texas will be eligible to apply for a FREE EAR. Some restrictions apply. For more information on how to get involved in this program or how to get a FREE EAR, please contact EnSave at (800) 732-1399. You may view a copy of the brochure's by clicking the links below.

 

 

 

 

De-Go-La Updates Area Plan

The De-Go-La RC&D has adopted a new area plan which has been approved for use by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The new document will guide operations through the next five years. You may download a copy of the updated area plan by clicking the link below.

 

 

Refugio Resource Team Report

Refugio County was the recipient of a community assessment requested by the local Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by numerous organizations in the community.  An eight member team spent two days in the communities within Refugio hearing about the strengths, challenges , and needs in the community.  At the end of the two days, team members met with citizens in a Town Hall meeting to tell what they had heard and give some tips for a few “quick victories”.

During the following month each team member prepared a report with detailed recommendations on how to achieve success for the community.  The reports were compiled and presented to the community for review.  A follow-up meeting to set goals and plan actions is set to take place in May.

Communities interested in taking part in a community resource assessment may request one by contacting the De-Go-La RC&D office at 361-570-7138.

 

 

 

Revolving Loan Program

 The De-Go-La Resource Conservation and Development Council has established a revolving loan fund to promote the establishment and expansion of small businesses in rural areas of their sixteen county service area.  The purpose of the fund is to provide financing for those individuals who are seeking a commercial loan, but lack adequate capital or collateral resources to fully qualify with a commercial lender. Loans may be made available to first time business owners or those who are wishing to expand their existing business venture. To qualify, borrowers must have good credit and the ability to re-pay the loan over its lifetime. Funds may be used for most business expenses including operating expenses, real estate purchases, and equipment. Currently, loans may range in size from $5,000.00 to $25,000.00.  However, requests for loans outside of this range may be considered on an individual basis. The De-Go-La RC&D makes loans available in the following counties: Aransas, Bee, Calhoun, DeWitt, Fayette, Goliad, Gonzales, Jackson, Karnes, Lavaca, Live Oak, McMullen, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio & Victoria.

For more information on the Revolving Loan Program please view our Revolving Loan Brochure .

You may contact the De-Go-La RC&D office at 361-570-7138 or coord@degolarcd.org .