Where: Toledo, Lewis County, Washington

Issue: A small business owner lacked financial resources to improve the water conditions that served the small business RV Park and lodge

Outcome: Rural Community Assistance Corporation’s (RCAC) Loan Fund provided an environmental infrastructure loan to fund the improvements

RiversEdge Lodge and RV Park is located along the Cowlitz River in Toledo, Washington. The small community of just more than 700 people is a destination for fishers and hunters. The park sat abandoned from 1993 until the new owner purchased it in 2008 and began renovations.

Much of the renovation is now complete, and the lodge and RV Park has tent and RV sites and four cabins. However, the water had a high iron level, which stained equipment and created a bad taste. Campers were advised to drink bottled water. While not a health code violation, the water quality issue resulted in lost revenue opportunities as many potential campers went to other parks once they were told they should not drink the water.

To remedy the water quality problem, the owner needed to purchase and install a water filtration system, however, she did not have adequate financial resources or acceptable collateral for traditional financing. RCAC’s Loan Fund worked with the owner to determine collateral that would be acceptable. The RCAC Loan Fund approved an $8,000 loan to fund the improvements, which created additional revenue opportunities for the small business owner, and ensuring that good quality water is provided to customers.