Water and Environmental Programs

Water and Waste

The Water and Waste Loan and Grant Program is available for rural water, sanitary sewerage, solid waste disposal, and storm water disposal facilities.  The program is directed toward rural areas with populations of up to 10,000 people. Eligible applicants include public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and Indian tribal organizations. Applicants must be unable to finance proposed projects from their own resources or through commercial credit. Loans with terms up to 40 years and interest rates based on community income levels are available. 

Grants can be awarded to assist the most financially needy communities and are awarded for the purpose of reducing user rates and charges to a level comparing with similar systems.

Technical Assistance and Solid Waste Management Grants

The objectives of the Technical Assistance Grant Program are to:

• identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste disposal problems in rural areas;

• assist applicants in preparing applications for water and waste grants; and

• improve operation and maintenance of existing water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas.

Objectives of the Solid Waste Management Grant Program are to:

• reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources; and

• improve planning and management of solid waste sites.

A rural area is defined as any area not in a city or town with a population in excess of 10,000 inhabitants.  Private, non-profit organizations that have been granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service are eligible for assistance under both programs.  In addition, public bodies, including local governmental-based, multi-jurisdictional organizations, are eligible under the Solid Waste Management Grant Program.

 Community Facility Programs

Loan and Grant Program

Community Facility Loan and Grant Programs are for the purpose of constructing, enlarging, extending, or otherwise improving community facilities for healthcare, telecommunications, public safety, and public services in rural areas and towns with a population of 20,000 or less.

Health care facilities include hospitals, nursing homes, dental or medical clinics, and rehabilitation centers.  Telecommunications provide for distance learning and telemedicine facilities and equipment.  Public safety facilities include fire, rescue, and police stations or buildings and related equipment.  Public service facilities include community buildings, courthouses, libraries, schools, industrial parks, and airports.

Other types of community facilities that provide essential services to rural residents, such as day care facilities, are also eligible.

Community Programs Links