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