Water

Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) Industrial Finance Program (IFP)

The Industrial Finance Program (IFP) provides low-cost financings to businesses for projects related to waste management, pollution control, drinking water, wastewater and solid waste facility improvements, and environmental regulation compliance.

Eligible Recipients:
Public and private entities.

Eligible Projects:

The Industrial Finance Program projects that have a public benefit may quality as tax exempt if 95% or more of the net proceeds are used to fund these following types of facilities:

  • Solid waste facilities and equipment for the handling, disposal, transportation, and recycling of solid waste such as municipal solid waste landfills, construction and demolition landfills, ash-fills, hauling/transport equipment and transfer stations, resource recovery facilities, and recycling facilities and equipment. Bond Counsel options as to eligibility are usually required.
  • Sewage treatment facilities for privately owned wastewater treatment facilities serving the public, including sewers, piping, force mains, pumps, clarifiers, and sludge handling facilities that fall below D.O.B. limits.
  • Drinking water supply and management facilities such as mains, piping, wells, treatment works, finished water reservoirs, and other storage facilities for public use.
  • Industrial hazardous waste disposal facilities for landfill and incineration of hazardous waste, and capital costs associated with Brownfields site remediation.

Other types of environmental facilities may be financed with taxable IFP bonds. In certain cases, the most economical way to finance a particular project may be to use funding from both the IFP and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs.

Funding Source:
Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC)

Funding Amount:
The minimum amount of an IFP financing is approximately $10 million. There is usually no maximum limit. The financing is subject to certain federal and state law requirements and approvals, including obtaining a state tax-exempt bond volume cap. IFP bonds may be amortized for a term of up to 40 years, depending on the useful life of the facilities that are financed and other factors.

Deadline:
Ongoing

Contact:
Brian McClintock
Finance Manager
(518) 402-7085
finance@efc.ny.gov

More Information:
https://www.efc.ny.gov/IFP

USDA Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Puerto Rico

This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

Eligible Recipients:
This program assists qualified applicants who are not otherwise able to obtain commercial credit on reasonable terms. Eligible applicants include:

  • Most state and local governmental entities
  • Private nonprofits
  • Federally-recognized tribes

Areas that may be served include:

  • Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less — check eligible addresses
  • Tribal lands in rural areas
  • Colonias

Eligible Projects:

Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of:

  • Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and distribution
  • Sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal
  • Solid waste collection, disposal and closure
  • Storm water collection, transmission and disposal

In some cases, funding may also be available for related activities such as:

  • Legal and engineering fees
  • Land acquisition, water and land rights, permits and equipment
  • Start-up operations and maintenance
  • Interest incurred during construction
  • Purchase of facilities to improve service or prevent loss of service
  • Other costs determined to be necessary for completion of the project
  • See 7 CFR Part 1780.7 and 1780.9 for a complete list

Funding Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Funding Amount:
Long-term, low-interest loans. If funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan if necessary to keep user costs reasonable.

Funding Deadline:
Applications are accepted year round.

Contact:
Brian Murray, Acting State Director
The Galleries of Syracuse
441 South Salina Street, Suite 357
Syracuse, NY  13202-2541
Voice: (315) 477-6400
www.rd.usda.gov/pr

More Information:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program/pr

EPA Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (CPS) Cooperative Agreement Program

The Environmental Justice Collaborative Problem-Solving (EJCPS) Cooperative Agreement Program provides financial assistance to eligible organizations working to address local environmental or public health issues in their communities.  The program assists recipients in building collaborative partnerships with other stakeholders (e.g., local businesses and industry, local government, medical service providers, academia, etc.) to develop solutions to environmental or public health issue(s) at the community level.

Eligible Recipients:

  • a community-based nonprofit organization (CBO); or
  • a partnership of community-based nonprofit organizations *

* A partnership must be documented with a signed Letter of Commitment from the community-based nonprofit organization detailing the parameters of the partnership, as well as the role and responsibilities of the partnering community-based organizations.

Eligible Projects:

Consistent with section 138(b)(2) of the Clean Air Act, applications submitted in response to this funding opportunity must address one of the following five broad categories:

  • community-led air and other pollution monitoring, prevention, and remediation, and investments in low- and zero-emission and resilient technologies and related infrastructure and workforce development that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants;
  • mitigating climate and health risks from urban heat islands, extreme heat, wood heater emissions, and wildfire events;
  • climate resiliency and adaptation;
  • reducing indoor toxics and indoor air pollution; or
  • facilitating engagement of marginalized communities in Local, State and Federal public processes, such as advisory groups, workshops, and rulemakings

Funding Source:
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Environmental Justice

Funding Amount:

The EJCPS Program anticipates awarding approximately $30,000,000 of Inflation Reduction Act funding through 83 cooperative agreements, organized in two tracks of funding, as follows:

  • $25,000,000 for CBOs proposing projects for up to $500,000 each. Approximately 50 awards for up $500,000 each are anticipated under this track.
  • $5,000,000 for qualifying small CBOs with 5 or fewer full-time employees proposing projects for up to $150,000 each. For more details about this opportunity, please review closely the “Small Community-based Nonprofit Set Aside”. Approximately 33 awards for up to $150,000 each are anticipated under this track.

Deadline:

To apply for this opportunity, view the RFA on Grants.gov. Applications packages must be submitted on or before April 14, 2023 at 11:59 PM (Eastern Time). Applicants should plan for projects to begin on November 1, 2023.

Contact:
US EPA
Office of Environmental Justice
Jacob Burney
Burney.Jacob@epa.gov
202-564-2907

More Information:
https://www.epa.gov/environmental-justice/environmental-justice-collaborative-problem-solving-cooperative-agreement-0

USDA Water & Waste Disposal Grants to Alleviate Health Risks on Tribal Lands & Colonias

This program provides low-income communities, which face significant health risks, access to safe, reliable drinking water and waste disposal facilities and services.

Eligible Recipients:

  • State and local governmental entities serving eligible areas

  • Nonprofit organizations

  • Utility districts serving Colonias

  • Federally recognized tribes

What is an eligible area?

  • Federally recognized tribal lands
  • Areas recognized as Colonias before October 1, 1989
  • Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less

Residents of the area to be served must face significant health risks due to a lack of access to, or use of adequate, affordable water or waste disposal.

NOTE: Areas not located in a Colonia must meet per capita income and unemployment rate requirements. Contact your local RD office for information.

Eligible Projects:
Construction of basic drinking water and waste disposal systems, including storm drainage
NOTE: Utility districts may also be able to provide grants to individual households to install indoor plumbing and connect to the system.

Funding Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

Funding Amount:
TBD

Funding Deadline:
Applications are accepted year round through your local RD office.

Contact:
Brian Murray, State Director
The Galleries of Syracuse
441 South Salina Street, Suite 357
Syracuse, NY 13202-2541
Voice: (315) 477-6400
Fax: (315) 477-6438

More Information:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-grants-alleviate-health-risks-tribal-lands-and-colonias/ny

 

USDA Water & Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants

This program helps eligible low-income communities plan and develop applications for proposed USDA Rural Development water or waste disposal projects.

Eligible Recipients:

  • Most state and local
    governments
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Federally-recognized Tribes

Eligible Projects:
Grants may be used to pay part of the costs of developing a complete application for USDA Rural Development Water & Waste Disposal direct loan/grant and loan guarantee programs.

Funding Source:
United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

Funding Amount:
Maximum of $30,000 or 75 percent of the predevelopment planning costs.

Funding Deadline:
Applications for this program are accepted year round through your local RD office.

Contact:
Help is always available through your local RD office.
Participating non-profit associations also offer assistance and training. You can work with your local Rural Development staff to learn about available help in your area.

More Information:
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-predevelopment-planning-grants

USDA Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in New York

This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

Eligible Recipients:

This program assists qualified applicants who are not otherwise able to obtain commercial credit on reasonable terms. Eligible applicants include:

  • Most state and local governmental entities
  • Private nonprofits
  • Federally-recognized tribes

Eligible Projects:
Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of:

  • Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and distribution
  • Sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal
  • Solid waste collection, disposal and closure
  • Storm water collection, transmission and disposal

In some cases, funding may also be available for related activities such as:

  • Legal and engineering fees
  • Land acquisition, water and land rights, permits and equipment
  • Start-up operations and maintenance
  • Interest incurred during construction
  • Purchase of facilities to improve service or prevent loss of service
  • Other costs determined to be necessary for completion of the project
  • See 7 CFR Part 1780.7 and 1780.9 for a complete list

Funding Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

Funding Amount:
Long-term, low-interest loans. If funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan if necessary to keep user costs reasonable.

Funding Deadline:
Applications are accepted year round and may be filed electronically using RD Apply. The RD Apply Customer Help Guide is provided to help you get started and work through the application process.

Contact:
Contact the local representative who serves your area
Participating nonprofits in your area may also offer assistance and training.

Or, participating nonprofits in your area may also offer assistance and training.

More Information:
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program

USDA Water & Waste Disposal Technical Assistance & Training Grants

This program helps qualified, private nonprofits provide technical assistance and training to identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste problems; helps applicants prepare applications for water and waste disposal loans/grants; and helps associations improve the operation and maintenance of water and waste facilities in eligible rural areas.

Eligible Recipients:
Nonprofits that have the proven ability, background, experience and capacity to provide technical assistance or training on a national, regional or state basis.

What is an eligible area? Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less — check eligible addresses. Tribal lands in rural areas.

Eligible Projects:

  • To identify and evaluate solutions to water problems related to source, storage, treatment, distribution, collection, treatment and disposal.
  • To provide technical assistance and training to improve management, operations and maintenance of water and waste disposal systems.
  • To prepare water and waste disposal loan and grant applications.

Funding Source:
United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

Funding Amount:
This is a reimbursement grant. Grants are subject to the availability of funds.

Deadline:
Single-state applications are accepted annually through your local RD office from October 1 – December 31. Multi-state or national applications are accepted through the RD national office.

Contact:
Contact your local RD office
National Office contact: Lorrie Davis
(202) 720-1938
Lorrie.davis@usda.gov

More Information:
https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-grants

USDA SEARCH – Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities & Households

This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects.

Eligible Recipients:

  • Most state and local governmental entities
  • Nonprofits
  • Federally recognized tribes

Areas to be served must be rural and financially distressed:

  • Rural areas with a population of 2,500 or less
  • Have a median household income below the poverty line or less than 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan median household income based on latest Census data

Eligible Projects:

The predevelopment planning costs must be related to a proposed project that meets the following requirements:

  • Construct, enlarge, extend or improve rural water, sanitary sewage, solid waste disposal and storm wastewater disposal facilities
  • Construct or relocate public buildings, roads, bridges, fences or utilities, and to make other public improvements necessary for the successful operation or protection of facilities
  • Relocate private buildings, roads, bridges, fences, or utilities, and other private improvements necessary for the successful operation or protection of facilities

Funding Source:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development

Funding Amount: TBD

Funding Deadline:
Applications for this program are accepted year round through your local RD office.

Contact:
USDA Rural Development | New York State Office
Brian Murray, Acting State Director
The Galleries of Syracuse
441 South Salina Street, Suite 357
Syracuse, NY 13202-2541
(315) 477-6400
www.rd.usda.gov/ny

More Information:
http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/search-special-evaluation-assistance-rural-communities-and-households

Launching EFCN’s National Water Leadership Program

In April, the Environmental Finance Center Network’s (EFCN’s) Water Leadership Program announced the inaugural cohort of 38 water professionals from around the country who will participate in a three-month professional development program. The program aims to give rising water leaders the training and resources needed to face the challenges of utility management with confidence and improve the quality of life of their residents. Through the pilot program, water professionals will participate in three months of sessions focused on asset and data management, disaster resiliency and planning, environmental justice, strategic communications, culturally responsive leadership, and other subject areas that are critical in an increasingly diverse and rapidly changing water sector.

The program is funded by a grant awarded by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Program, which launched in 2021. The pilot program is one of several receiving a total of $3.8 million in funding to help build the water workforce and connect individuals to career opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector, as well as expand public awareness about job opportunities at drinking water and water treatment utilities.