About - RIRWA

ABOUT US

The Rhode Island Rural Water Association was incorporated in 2021 to serve as not only an advocate for the association members of the state, but a partner in their missions to provide their essential services to the public. We are a non-profit trade association that provides training, technical assistance, and source water protection to the rural and small utilities in RI.

This assistance is supported through NRWA by the United States Congress and is provided in partnership with USDA Rural Utilities Service, the Farm Service Agency, and the Environmental Protection Agency. We will also represent rural and small utilities in the regulatory and legislative process.

Our staff aims to provide assistance with any need that our members have including everything from Operator Training Classes to Source water and Well Head Protection planning. Our association will work with the Rhode Island Department of Health through many of our functions and missions.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jimmy J. Folco Jr. – Board President [email protected]
Albert Dibiasio – Vice President
John Marginson – Treasurer
Steven Miozzi – Secretary

STAFF

Matthew Young – EPA Training Specialist

Email: [email protected]

Matthew holds a BS in Environmental Earth Science with a concentration in Sustainable Energy Science from Eastern Connecticut State University. He spent eight years working for an environmental analytical laboratory as a project manager. He worked with public water systems, environmental consultant agencies, as well as private well owners throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. His primary focus was to assist clients with sampling and analysis to meet their groundwater monitoring requirements. Matthew also has experience working with various agencies in monitoring and reporting of their environmental compliance to regulatory bodies. He has greatly enjoyed his years of working with the public to help educate and inform them about clean drinking water and environmental safety.

Virginia Bragger – Circuit Rider

Email: [email protected]

Virginia Bragger has dedicated her career to the water works industry. In 2000, she was hired full time to work in the family business, A.E. Bragger Construction and has not looked back since. Her father and grandfather took her under their wing and taught her everything she needed to know about water works. She started in the trenches laying pipe, repairing water breaks and installing water lines for commercial, residential, and municipalities.

The family business closed in 2015 and she started working as a Service Technician for E.J. Prescott Inc. Lincoln RI. In 2017, EJP awarded Virginia the Service Tech of the year because she doubled sales in the department and always works with a can-do attitude. In 2021, she moved to inside sales at EJP, where she again started from the bottom and worked her way up. She worked her way up the ladder in the industry organizations too. She served on the Board for National Utility Contractors of RI, National Utility Contractors Association; VP New England, National Association of Women in Construction; RI Chapter President and multiple committee chairs, RI Backflow Preventer Association; Former Board Member, RI Rural Water Association; Board Member. Virginia was hired December 2022 as the Circuit Rider for RIRWA. She cannot wait to see what the future holds and is excited to put RIRWA on the map for premier CR service.

Louis Folco – Apprenticeship Coordinator

Email: [email protected]

Louis Folco is the Apprenticeship Coordinator for Rhode Island Rural Water Association. His previous professional experiences include academic libraries, transportation, and backflow prevention. As a committed lifelong learner, Louis strives to meet the needs and desires of aspiring apprentices and that of local water and wastewater systems.

He holds a B.A. degree in Foreign Languages from the University of Rhode Island.

Justin D’Antonio – EPA Decentralized Wastewater Technical Assistant

Email: [email protected]

Justin D’Antonio serves as the EPA Decentralized Wastewater Technical Assistant at the Rhode Island Rural Water Association. In this role, Justin provides essential technical training to rural, small, publicly owned systems, helping to ensure they operate efficiently and effectively.

With a solid background that includes serving on the board of directors of a rural water association, Justin brings a wealth of experience to his position. He also has a rich history in small business community banking, which has given him a unique perspective on the challenges and needs of local communities.

Deeply rooted in his state and community, Justin’s longstanding commitment has allowed him to see firsthand how communities can struggle. This insight drives his passion for finding innovative solutions to better serve their needs and improve the quality of life for all residents.

Alex Lord – Wastewater Technician

Email: [email protected]

Alex Lord is a dedicated Wastewater Technician at the Rhode Island Rural Water Association, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring the effective treatment and distribution of clean water. With a background rooted in water treatment and distribution, he brings extensive expertise in water metering, meter testing, backflow protection, and cross-connection surveying to his current role.

Passionate about sustainability and environmental stewardship, Alex is committed to safeguarding clean water and promoting a healthy environment for all. His career is marked by a deep-seated dedication to improving water quality standards and implementing innovative solutions in water and wastewater management.

Outside of work, Alex finds joy in camping with his family and exploring the outdoors. His love for nature not only fuels his personal interests but also underscores his commitment to preserving natural resources for future generations.

Alex Lord’s contributions to water management and environmental conservation exemplify his unwavering commitment to ensuring access to clean water and a sustainable environment for rural communities across Rhode Island.