The US Department of Agriculture has several ongoing programs to help rural communities prepare for or recover from droughts and water shortages.

Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants (ECWAG)

This program provides grants of up to $150,000 to construct waterline extensions, repair breaks or leaks in existing distribution lines, and address related maintenance necessary to replenish the water supply.

This program also provides grants of up to $1,000,000 to construct new wells, reservoirs, water transmission lines, treatment plants, and/or other sources of water (water source up to and including the treatment plant).

Which areas in Mendocino County are eligible?

• Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less -- check eligible addresses
• Tribal lands in rural areas
• Must have a median household income less than the state's median income for non-metropolitan areas

Who may apply?

• Rurally located public bodies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Federally-recognized Tribes
• Applicants must show that a major decline in quantity or quality of water occurred within two years if the date of the application. Grants are also awarded when a significant decline in quality and quantity of water is imminent.
• A drought or flood, earthquake, tornado or hurricane, disease outbreak, chemical spill, leak or seepage, or other disaster can qualify as an emergency. A federal disaster declaration is not required.

How to apply:

• Applications are accepted year round
• Apply online through RDApply or through your local RD office.

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program

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

Funds may be use 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
• Stormwater 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

Generally speaking, this program provides long-term, low-interest loans. If funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan if necessary to keep user costs reasonable.

Which areas in Mendocino County are eligible?

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

Who may apply?

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

What is the loan term and rate?

• Up to a 40-year payback period, based on the useful life of the facilities financed
• Fixed interest rates, based on the need for the project and the median household income of the area to be served.
• Contact your local RD office for details and current interest rates applicable for your project.

How to apply:

• Applications are accepted year round
• Apply online through RDApply or through your local RD office. The RD Apply Customer Help Guide is available to help you get started and work through the application process.

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 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. Grants are a maximum of $60,000 or 75% of the predevelopment planning costs. At least 25% of the project cost must come from the applicant or third-party sources. In-kind contributions do not count toward this minimum.

What are the grant terms?

• Grants may not be used to pay for work already completed.
• For projects eligible under several programs, the amount of the pre-development or SEARCH grant will be subtracted from the total grant eligibility as determined in underwriting for the water or waste disposal project.
• These grants do not have to be paid back if the application for the USDA direct loan or loan/grant combination is not successful.
• Grants are based on demonstrated need and subject to the availability of funds.
• Partnerships with other federal, state and local entities are encouraged, and grants are awarded only when the applicant cannot afford to borrow the needed funds.

Which areas in Mendocino County are eligible?

• Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less. Check eligible addresses.
• Federally recognized tribal lands
• The area must have a median household income below the poverty line or less than 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan median household income.

Who may apply?

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

How to apply:

• Applications are accepted year-round.
• Apply through your local RD office. Program resources - forms needed, guidance, certifications, are available.

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Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants Program

Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants help eligible communities pay expenses related to damages to rural water systems as a result of events (Presidentially Declared Disasters) that occurred between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022.  For the purposes of this program, the term “water” refers to all water resource infrastructure, including drinking water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, and solid waste facilities.

To be eligible for USDA funding under this program, a system must have been damaged by a Presidentially Declared Disaster that occurred in Calendar Year 2022 (January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022).  For a current list of Presidentially Declared Disasters, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and type “2022” into the Declaration Date search box.

An applicant must have legal authority to own and operate the water system and meet certain other criteria as spelled out in the Federal Register notice. 

• Municipalities, counties, districts, authorities, or other political subdivisions of a state, commonwealth, or territory
• Nonprofit organizations
• Federally recognized Tribes
• Community-based prefabricated home organizations

• Rural areas and towns with populations of not more than 35,000
• Federally recognized Tribal lands with populations of not more than 35,000
• Colonias with populations of not more than 35,000

How can funds be used?
Funds can be used to develop water infrastructure system capacity and resiliency to reduce or eliminate long term risks from hazards resulting from(Presidentially declared) disasters during calendar year 2022.

How do we get started?
Applications are accepted year-round, and can be filed electronically using RD Apply
Please refer to the RD Apply Application Intake Guide.
Applications are also accepted through your local USDA Rural Development office. 

Who can answer questions?
The USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Program specialists who serve your area can help. A list of state-based offices is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices

What law governs this program? 
The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 117-328, Division N)

NOTE: Because information changes, always consult official program instruction or contact your local Rural Development office for help. 

The Economic Development Administration (EDA) provides grants to support construction, non-construction, planning, technical assistance, and revolving loan fund projects through the Fiscal Year 2023 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PWEAA) Program.

Fiscal Year 2023 Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance (PWEAA) Application Submission and Program Requirements

Application deadline: There are no application submission deadlines. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the publication of a new PWEAA Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), cancellation of this PWEAA NOFO, or all available funds have been expended. EDA intends to review applications expeditiously upon receipt of the complete application.

UPDATE: This NOFO was revised to add a new addendum making $5M available to indigenous communities, apply 2 CFR 200 updates to new awards under this NOFO in FY 25, and make other technical changes.
EDA intends to review applications expeditiously upon receipt of the complete application. There are no application submission deadlines. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the publication of a new PWEAA NOFO, cancellation of this PWEAA NOFO, or all available funds have been expended.  

This NOFO sets out EDA’s application submission and review procedures for two of EDA’s core economic development programs authorized under the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, as amended (42 U.S.C. § 3121 et seq.) (PWEDA): (1) Public Works and Economic Development Facilities (Public Works) and (2) Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA). 

EDA supports bottom-up strategies that build on regional assets to spur economic growth and resiliency. EDA encourages its grantees throughout the country to develop initiatives that present new ideas and creative approaches to advance economic prosperity in distressed communities. 

Through this NOFO EDA intends to advance general economic development in accordance with EDA’s investment priorities, but also to pursue projects that, where practicable, incorporate specific priorities related to equity, workforce development, and climate change resiliency so that investments can benefit everyone for decades to come. 

Please access this opportunity at: https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/346815. 

The FY 2023 PWEAA NOFO supersedes EDA’s FY2020 PWEAA NOFO. 

Grant link:  https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/346815

Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014 (WIFIA) Program

The WIFIA program accelerates investment in our nation’s water infrastructure by providing long-term, low-cost supplemental loans for regionally and nationally significant projects. The WIFIA program was established by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act of 2014.

Eligible Projects:

• Wastewater conveyance and water treatment projects
• Drinking water treatment and distribution projects
• Enhanced energy efficiency projects at drinking water and wastewater facilities
• Desalination, aquifer recharge, and water recycling projects
• Acquisition of property if it is integral to the project or will mitigate the environmental impact of a project
• A combination of eligible projects secured by a common security pledge or submitted under one application by a State Revolving Fund (SRF) program

Eligible Borrowers:

• Local, state, Tribal, and federal government entities
• Partnerships and joint ventures
• Corporations and trusts
• Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs

How to apply:

• The WIFIA program has funding available year-round to meet borrower needs.
• WIFIA application materials are available here.
• Learn more by reaching out to the WIFIA program or signing up for a monthly WIFIA office hours session.

Additional Resources:

• Online Training - How California Decisionmakers in Small, Rural, and Tribal Communities Can Finance Wastewater Projects & Build Community Trust
  • Register before April 22, 2025. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans are an important source of low-cost financing for wastewater infrastructure investments. Yet, many small wastewater systems across the country have not accessed this financing to make needed upgrades to their systems. To take advantage of the CWSRF and WIFIA program, these small systems need assistance navigating the sometimes-daunting process of preparing and applying for these loans. This training series is specifically tailored with these small systems in mind.

California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) 

When the Governor declares a drought emergency and the total drought disaster cost for all public water purveyors meet minimum thresholds, then each individual entity will be eligible to apply for California Disaster Assistance Act (CDAA) funding from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Mendocino County will collect the drought related expense estimates and add them together for the purpose of countywide eligibility. However, know that your agency will need to submit their own application if Mendocino County is deemed eligible. If your agency is an eligible recipient, please submit your estimate in the format provided here. Please note, for-profit water districts will not be eligible. Please submit your responses to Sara Pierce at the Executive Office at pierces@mendocinocounty.org.

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)

As the result of a Presidential Disaster Declaration, FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds plans and projects that reduce the effects of future natural disasters. In California, these funds are administered by the Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Assistance Branch.

The HMGP funding opportunities provide support for communities to implement mitigation activities to reduce risk to life and property from natural hazards. In California, natural hazards include wildfire, earthquake, drought, extreme weather, flooding, and other natural hazards as defined in the State Hazard Mitigation Plan. HMGP funding can also support the development of Local Hazard Mitigation Plans (LHMPs), and project scoping activities referred to as Advanced Assistance.

Who is eligible?

• State Agencies - Activities must be consistent with the State Hazard Mitigation Plan (SHMP). State agencies, UCs, and CSUs must comply with the Hazard Mitigation Plan requirement, which is satisfied with an active SHMP.
• Federally Recognized Tribes - Subapplicants must have a FEMA-approved Tribal Hazard Mitigation Plan (THMP) to be eligible.
• Local Governments/Communities/Special Districts - Subapplicants must have a FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to be eligible.
• Private Nonprofit Organizations - Private nonprofits are not required to have an LHMP, but the County or city in which the project is located must meet the LHMP requirement.

Eligible subapplicants from all 58 counties may apply. Jurisdictions do not need to be from a declared County to apply for HMGP funding.

Local Match Requirement: 25%

Current Grant Opportunities:

• Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant Opportunities

How to apply:

• Submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) for your project via the CalOES Engage Portal (not compatible with Internet Explorer). NOIs are accepted on a rolling basis for the HMGP.
  • See instructions for submitting an NOI here.
• If Cal OES approves your NOI for a current grant opportunity, you will be invited via the Cal OES Engage Portal to complete and submit a full project sub-application.
  • Resources for developing a subapplication are available here.

Additional Resources:

• Hazard Mitigation Program Webpage 
• Hazard Mitigation Resource Library
• Sign up for Hazard Mitigation Program updates and notifications from Cal OES.

Questions?

• For general information, please contact the Cal OES Hazard Mitigation Assistance General Inbox at HMA@caloes.ca.gov.
• To request a project scoping or technical assistance call, please contact resilientca@caloes.ca.gov

Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program

The Infrastructure State Revolving Fund (ISRF) Program is authorized to directly provide low-cost public financing to state and local government entities.

ISRF financing is available in amounts ranging from $1 million to $65 million with loan terms for the useful life of the project up to a maximum of 30 years.

A few examples of ISRF financed projects include water and wastewater treatment plant upgrades or construction, venue or airport construction or street repair and upgrades.

Eligible applicants must be located in California and include any subdivision of a local government, including cities, counties, special districts, assessment districts, joint powers authorities and nonprofit organizations sponsored by a government entity.

Please note, while ISRF financing is available for many types of projects, housing is not allowed per legislative statute.

Learn more.

Complete the ISRF Intake Form.

Clean Water State Revolving Fund

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program offers low-cost financing for a wide variety of water quality projects. The program has significant financial assets and is capable of financing projects from < $1 million to > $100 million. It is our vision to maintain abundant clean water for human uses and environmental protection to sustain California's future.

Who can apply?

Depending on the type of project, eligible applicants can include:

• Public agencies
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Private entities
• Federally recognized Tribes
• State Tribes on the Native American Commission consult list

• Publicly-owned treatment works
• Nonpoint source projects (agriculture, forestry, urban, marinas/recreational boating, hydromodification, wetlands/riparian areas/vegetated treatment systems)
• National estuary program projects
• Decentralized wastewater treatment systems
• Stormwater projects
• Water conservation
• Watershed projects
• Energy conservation
• Water reuse projects
• Security measures at publicly-owned treatment works
• Technical assistance

How to apply:

• Apply online via the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST)
• Email your application and attachments to cleanwatersrf@waterboards.ca.gov
• Mail a CD or hard copy to:
State Water Resources Control Board
Division of Financial Assistance
ATTN: Marketing Unit 
1001 I Street, 16th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814 
P.O. Box 944212 
Sacramento, CA 94244-2120

Additional Resources:

• Online Training: How California Decision-Makers in Small, Rural and Tribal Communities Can Finance Wastewater Projects & Build Community Trust
• Register before April 22, 2025. The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program and Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loans are an important source of low-cost financing for wastewater infrastructure investments. Yet, many small wastewater systems across the country have not accessed this financing to make needed upgrades to their systems. To take advantage of the CWSRF and WIFIA program, these small systems need assistance navigating the sometimes-daunting process of preparing and applying for these loans. This training series is specifically tailored with these small systems in mind.

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program finances infrastructure improvements to mitigate drinking water risks and support the human right to water. The DWSRF Program generally prioritizes projects that (1) address the most serious human health risks and (2) are necessary to comply with federal SDWA requirements and (3) assist public water systems most in need on a per household basis.

Who can apply?

• Publicly owned community water systems (e.g., counties, cities, districts)
• Privately-owned community water systems (e.g., for-profit water utilities, non-profit mutual water companies)
• Non-profit or publicly owned non-community water systems (e.g., public school districts)
• Community water systems created by the DWSRF project

Eligible project types:

• Treatment systems
• Distribution systems
• Interconnections
• Consolidations
• Pipeline extensions
• Water sources
• Water meters
• Water storage

More information: Drinking Water State Revolving Fund | California State Water Resources Control Board

Forms and Guidance: Forms and Instructions | California State Water Quality Control Board

Submit application online using the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST): FAAST - Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool

This program provides an expedited process by which applicants with qualifying high  priority projects can receive grant/Principal Forgiveness (PF) funding. Application forms, reviews, procedures,  and requirements may vary from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) funding program to the extent authorized by the Deputy Director of the Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) or designee to  support reduction of processing times and information submittal requirements. Applicants that do not qualify for this program may be directed to apply for funding  through the process established in the Policy for Implementing the DWSRF (DWSRF  Policy) and the DWSRF Intended Use Plan (IUP), or through other funding programs.

Who can apply?

• Community water systems owned by public agencies, e.g., cities, counties, special districts, Joint Powers Authorities (JPAs), or other political subdivisions of the state;
• Community water systems owned by public utilities (as defined in Public Utilities Code §216) incorporated in California and in good standing with the Secretary of State that are subject to regulation by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC);
• Community water systems owned by mutual water companies that are organized and operating in accordance with California law and in good standing with the Secretary of State; or
• Non-transient, noncommunity water systems owned by public school districts

Eligible Projects:

• Must be eligible for grant/PF funding according to the DWSRF Policy and the DWSRF IUP, except as modified herein;
• Must consist of the construction of capital assets, as defined in Government Code §16727(a); 
• Must not be comprised solely of the planning activities associated with an eventual construction project; and
• Projects proposed by a public utility shall have a clear and definite public purpose and shall benefit the customers of the water system and not the investors.

How to Apply:

DFA is not currently accepting new applications for funding under the EDWG Program. For the initial round(s) of funding, DFA staff are identifying projects for which DFA has already received partial or complete DWSRF program applications, or that are receiving technical assistance, that qualify under the EDWG Guidelines, and selecting preliminary funding award recipients from these existing applicants. Thereafter, subject to availability, DFA will periodically announce a deadline to submit project proposals for consideration. Applications are submitted using the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST).

For the most current and complete information, please visit the grant webpage.

Contact:

• Email: DFA-OSWS@waterboards.ca.gov
• Phone: (916) 327-9978

Small Community Funding Program

Small Community Funding is available to help small disadvantage communities (small DACs), providing drinking water service to less than 10,000 people or wastewater service to less than 20,000 people and having a median household income (MHI) of less than 80% the statewide MHI, with technical assistance needs, interim water supplies, and implement eligible drinking water or wastewater capital improvement projects.

The Small Community Funding Program continuously accepts applications starting with a simple pre-application:

Pre-Application

The pre-application includes a set of general questions regarding the facility/system, project description, and type of funding/assistance being requested.

Pre-Applications received prior to the 20th of the month will be reviewed and DFA staff contact the applicant by the 10th of the following month (for example pre-applications received by May 20th will be reviewed by DFA staff and the applicant will be contacted by June 10th).

To apply for funding, complete the pre-application online via the Financial Assistance Application Tool (FAAST) Select the RFP, titled “Small Community Funding Program, Pre-Application.

Initial Eligibility Screening

After a pre-application is submitted, DFA staff will conduct an initial eligibility screening for the Small Community Funding Program. Depending on the type of project, DFA staff will direct the applicant to the appropriate funding program.

Applicants appearing to meet the eligibility criteria for a capital improvement project will be invited to submit complete applications (planning or construction).

If the project doesn’t fit under our standard drinking water or wastewater application process (technical assistance, interim water supply, Administrator, etc.), but is still eligible for Small Community Funding, DFA staff will contact the applicant to discuss next steps.

A final eligibility determination will be conducted by DFA staff prior to the applicant receiving funding.

Planning/Construction Applications

DFA utilizes the same application for the Small Community Funding and the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs. Contact the Office of Sustainable Water Solutions at DFA-OSWS@waterboards.ca.gov or (916) 341-5296 for the most recent application forms and instructions.

Contacts

• General Inquiries
  • Telephone: (916) 327-9978
  • Fax: (916) 341-5296
• Office of Sustainable Water Solutions
  • Email: DFA-OSWS@waterboards.ca.gov

Main webpage: Office of Sustainable Water Solutions | California State Water Resources Control Board

Technical Assistance Funding Program

The Office of Sustainable Water Solutions (OSWS) administers the Technical Assistance (TA) Funding Program. TA is available to help small¹ disadvantaged² communities (DACs) develop, fund, and implement eligible drinking water³, wastewater³, stormwater⁴, or groundwater⁵ needs. TA include but is not limited to coordination and development of capital improvement projects, facilitation of operation and maintenance, engineering and environmental analysis, legal assistance, leak detection/water audits, compliance audits, financial analysis, technical managerial and financial (TMF) assessments, and board or operator training.

Notes:
¹ Small community is defined as having a population less than 10,000 people.
² Disadvantaged community is defined as median household income (MHI) < 80% of the statewide MHI.
³ Demand for drinking water/wastewater TA is extremely high. Not all eligible requests can be accommodated through the TA Funding Program. Requests relating to one or more of the following will generally be given priority:

• Systems that are out of compliance or experiencing insufficient water delivery capabilities; Extension of service for drought/contamination impacted communities;
• Consolidation projects;
• Systems serving less than 200 connections; and
• Applicants with small or relatively low cost needs that will enable an otherwise complete funding application to move forward.

⁴Stormwater TA resources are limited. We are not currently accepting new communities for stormwater TA. However, you may still submit a request if interested, and we will keep your request on file for future consideration as resources allow.
⁵Exceptions to provide TA that benefits larger DACs may be considered on a case‐by‐case basis

Fact sheet: Technical Assistance (TA) Funding Program

FAQs: Technical Assistance Funding Program

Main webpage: Technical Assistance (TA) Funding Program | California State Water Resources Control Board

Request technical assistance: Online: Request for Technical Assistance (Page 1 of 4)

Or fill out PDF and email the form and any attachments or supporting documentation to the TA Request Inbox at DFA-TArequest@waterboards.ca.gov: Request for Technical Assistance

Refer general questions regarding Technical Assistance to DFA-TARequest@waterboards.ca.gov

County-wide and Regional Funding Programs

The State Water Board has opened a County-wide and Regional Funding Solicitation for counties or eligible partner entities to receive funding to implement regional programs that address drought-related and/or contamination issues for state small water systems (state smalls) and domestic wells serving disadvantaged communities (DACs) and low-income households.

Counties or eligible partner entities that receive funding will be responsible for managing and implementing the program. The State will reimburse the counties or partner entities for eligible costs incurred related to the implementation and management of these programs.

Eligible entities include:

• Counties
• Non-profit agencies

Eligible project types include:

• Assessment
• Community outreach
• Domestic well testing
• Interim Solutions
• Bottled Water
• Tanks and hauled water
• Kiosk filling stations
• Point of Use/Point of Entry (POU/POE) installation and maintenance
• Long-Term Solutions
• Well repairs and/or replacements
• Limited-scale consolidation (such as laterals, above ground interties)
• POU/POE installation and maintenance, in some cases

Workshops

• May 26, 2022: County Drought Workshop (with DWR):

• Workshop recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kumT4yp_Nk4&feature=youtu.be
• Presentation slides: May 26 County Drought Meeting Slides

• March 4, 2022: County Wide and Regional Funding Solutions Training

• Workshop recording: County Wide and Regional Funding Solutions Training - YouTube

   

  How to Apply

  Applications are submitted using the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). The solicitation in FAAST consists of multiple tabs with text boxes, pull down menus, and multiple-choice selections. Applicants will also provide additional information by uploading documents on the Attachments tab.

  Eligible applicants should follow the steps below to submit a proposal:

1. Review the County-wide and Regional Funding Program Application and Funding Process Overview. This document provides a detailed overview of the funding available, how to apply, and the grant agreement process.
2. Navigate to FAAST website
3. Create user account (if this is the first time using FAAST)
4. Log on by entering your username and password
5. Click on Start a New Application
6. Read and check boxes for the System Disclosures
7. Select appropriate applicant organization
8. Choose County-wide/Regional Funding Solicitation from the drop down
9. Fill out the requested information on each tab
10. Click on the Attachments tab and upload the attachments as appropriate. Please note completed attachments are not required for initial submission, however, they will be required before funding approval can be issued.
11. Submit application

    The following FAAST resources are available online:

    Frequently Asked Questions: FAAST Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    User Manual: FAAST page located on the State Water Resources Control Board website

    If you need assistance with the FAAST tool, please contact the FAAST Help Desk between 8:00am and 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, at 1-866-434-1083 or FAAST_ADMIN@waterboards.ca.gov. All emails should include the subject line "County-wide/Regional Funding Solicitation" and the FAAST Proposal Identification Number (PIN) if known.

    Application Resources

• County-wide and Regional Funding Program Application and Funding Process Overview: Application and Funding Process Overview
• Attachment 1: Background and Proposal: attachment-1-background-and-proposal.docx
• Attachment 2: SAFER Budget Template: attachment-2-safer-budget-template.xlsx
• Attachment 3: Templates and General Compliance Documentation: General Compliance Template

Contact Information

For general questions related to this solicitation or for assistance in developing an application, please contact us at:

• Email: DFA-CAA@waterboards.ca.gov
• Phone: (916) 319-9066

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Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP)

The mission of the Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) is to promote the beneficial use of treated municipal wastewater (water recycling) in order to augment fresh water supplies in California by providing technical and financial assistance to agencies and other stakeholders in support of water recycling projects and research.

Applicant and project eligibilities may vary based on the funding sources available at the time a project or research is approved for funding. Generally, the availability and limitations for WRFP funding will be described in the CWSRF’s annual Intended Use Plan (IUP), but may also be described in a separate solicitation for applications. Division staff will provide additional application assistance to small disadvantaged communities upon request. Staff may travel to provide one-on-one application assistance. 

Apply online with FAAST (Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool). Applications are accepted continuously.

• FAAST How-To Videos: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/videos/faast.html
• Planning Grants: Select the “Water Recycling Funding Program - Planning Grant Application” RFP.
• Construction Funding: Select the “the “Water Recycling Funding Program - Construction Application” RFP.

General Program Information

• The Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) is administered by the Division of Financial Assistance (Division). It supports the State Water Resources Control Board’s (State Water Board’s) Water Recycling Policy and provides funding for water recycling projects that offset or augment state or local fresh water supplies and water recycling research.

Who is eligible?

• Planning: Only local public agencies are eligible to receive planning grants through this program.
• Construction: Depending on the funding source, eligible applicants may include:
  • local public agencies
  • federally and non-federally recognized Native American Tribes on the Native American Heritage Commission's list
  • public utilities, including private, for-profit water systems that are actively regulated by the CPUC
  • mutual water companies

Eligible Projects 

• Planning:
  • Generally, all costs necessary to determine the feasibility of using recycled water and to select an alternative to offset or augment the use of fresh/potable water from state or local supplies may be eligible for the planning grant. The Plan of Study will be used to determine the costs eligible for grant funding. 
  • Each proposed study must be distinct from previous WRFP grant funded studies. The applicant should confer with Division staff before applying for additional planning grants to ensure that new studies are distinct and eligible.
  • A proposed study is not required to be on the CWSRF Fundable List to receive a planning grant.
• Construction: The following costs are generally eligible for WRFP funding. The applicant must separate the eligible and ineligible costs in application documents and its disbursement requests, as appropriate.
  • Construction of recycled water treatment facilities, storage facilities, pumping facilities, and groundwater recharge facilities.
  • Construction of recycled water distribution systems, including onsite improvements.
  • Planning, design, construction management, value engineering, and administration directly related to project implementation.
  • Development, construction, and monitoring of a pilot-scale or demonstration-scale plant as part of the construction of a full-scale treatment facility project. A pilot-scale or demonstration-scale plant is distinct from the pilot projects described in Section VI of the WRFP Guidelines.
  • Reasonable costs to provide an emergency backup water supply for the recycled water system.
  • Contingency for change orders approved by the Division for increased costs, provided the costs are eligible and consistent with the original scope of the project.
  • The following costs are ineligible for WRFP funding: operation and maintenance costs, project components not included in the application and original scope of the project, and costs previously reimbursed by the State Water Board or other funding sources.

• Research: Research costs are eligible to the extent consistent with federal and state authority, requirements established by the State Water Board, and the availability of funding. The applicant must separate the eligible and ineligible costs for disbursement requests or reporting matching funds.
  • Specific terms, limitations, and eligibilities for water recycling research grants may also be described in a separate solicitation for proposals. 
  • Each research effort must be distinct from previous WRFP grant funded research. Research may build on previous WRFP grant funded research, but the scope of the research must be different from the previous research. Applicants and researchers should confer with State Water Board staff before applying for additional research grants to ensure that research proposals are distinct and eligible. 
  • Research is not required to be on the CWSRF Fundable List to receive a research grant.
  • Research is not limited to the uses of recycled water specified in California Code of Regulations, Title 22, and may include additional forms of reuse, such as onsite reuse, agricultural reuse, industrial reuse, and stormwater capture and use.
  • Indirect costs are ineligible for grant funds.
  • All travel is subject to the restrictions set forth in Section IX.C of the WRFP Guidelines and the grant agreement.

• Pilot Project Grants: The purpose of water recycling pilot project grants is to increase the body of knowledge regarding technologies, processes, or methods to provide recycled water through the innovative application of current and new technologies. Project costs are eligible to the extent consistent with federal and state authority, requirements established by the State Water Board, and the availability of funding. Division staff will determine eligible and ineligible project costs. The applicant must separate the eligible and ineligible costs for disbursement requests or reporting matching funds.
  • Specific terms, limitations, and eligibilities for water recycling pilot project grants will generally be described in a separate solicitation for proposals. 
  • Each pilot project must be distinct from previous WRFP grant funded pilot projects. The applicant should confer with Division staff before applying for additional grants to ensure that the pilot project is distinct and eligible. 
  •  Pilot projects eligible for grant funding are distinct from a pilot-scale or demonstration-scale plant developed as part of the construction of a water recycling treatment facility project. 
  • Pilot projects are not required to be on the CWSRF Fundable List to receive a grant agreement.
    

Questions?

• For more details, please refer to the WRFP Guidelines.
• Please refer to the State Water Board WRFP page for the most current information.

Please contact:

Sandeep Kals
Senior Water Resources Control Engineer
(916) 324-8404
wrfp@waterboards.ca.gov

Division of Financial Assistance
Water Recycling Funding Program
State Water Resources Control Board
P.O. Box 944212
Sacramento, CA 94244-2120

 Lead Service Line Replacement Funding Program

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) appropriated $15 billion to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nationwide for Lead Service Line Replacement funding. The funding will be allotted to the states over a five-year period. On October 3, 2022, the State Water Board adopted the state fiscal year (FY) 2022-23 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Intended Use Plan (IUP) including the Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Supplemental IUP that describes how the first allotment of LSLR funding will be used. The LSLR program provides financial assistance in the form of zero percent interest loans or loan forgiveness funding to California’s water systems to complete Lead Service Line Inventories and Replacements.

Who is eligible?

• Public community water systems
• Privately owned community water systems
• Non-profit non-community water systems

Which projects and project components are eligible?

Cleanup and Abatement (CAA) Urgent Drinking Water Needs

The CAA is supported by court judgments and administrative civil liabilities assessed by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Boards). Water code section 13442 authorizes the State Water Board to utilize CAA funds to address an urgent drinking water need. This includes needs due to drought, contamination, or other eligible emergencies.

Who is eligible?

• Public agencies, including Regional Boards
• A tribal government that is on the California Tribal Consultation List maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and is a disadvantaged community (DAC).
• A not-for-profit organization serving a DAC
• A community water system serving a DAC

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

• Provision of interim alternate water supplies, such as bottled or hauled water.
• Emergency improvements or repairs to existing water systems as necessary to provide an adequate supply of domestic water. Improvements or repairs will typically only be funded if shown to be a more cost-effective interim solution than provision of interim alternate water supplies. Eligible improvements or repairs include but are not limited to:
  • Well rehabilitation or replacement;
  • Emergency interties, extension of service, or consolidation projects;
  • Treatment systems;
  • Rented, borrowed or purchased equipment;
  • Design, installation and initial startup costs;
• Certain construction projects that meet all the following criteria:
  • Project cost is less than $500,000
  • Project will serve a small DAC, primarily low-income households, or a school
  • Water system is out of compliance or at-risk and project is urgent in nature
  • Addresses an immediate health risk, untreated or at-risk water sources, or chronic compliance or water shortage problems
  • Project does not include an extensive planning component or legal complexities and is ready-to-proceed
  • Environmental work (California Environmental Quality Act [CEQA]) has been completed or project has been deemed CEQA-exempt

How to Apply:

The Deputy Director of the Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) and the Executive Director of the State Water Board are delegated authority to approve up to $500,000 in CAA funds per project, for routine or non-controversial projects. Any non-routine or controversial projects, or CAA approvals exceeding $500,000 per project, will require State Water Board approval. 

To apply for funding, applicants have the following options:

• Complete the Urgent Drinking Water Needs Application and submit to DFA-CAA@waterboards.ca.gov. The local DDW District Office can assist public water systems by submitting the application on behalf of a water system.
• Complete the funding application online via the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST) (https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov/). Select the RFP titled, "Interim Emergency Drinking Water and Drought Related Drinking Water Funding Application"

Funding Process Overview

Once a complete application is submitted, DFA staff will review and follow up with the applicant regarding any questions. Once all questions have been addressed, DFA staff will prepare and submit a funding recommendation to management. The DFA Deputy Director will review and either approve or deny funding.

If funding is approved, DFA staff will notify the Recipient and provide the start date for costs to be incurred. DFA staff will also work with the Recipient to develop a scope of work for the grant agreement.

Funding is through a reimbursement process. It typically takes several months to develop a grant agreement and reimbursements can only be paid out once a funding agreement has been executed. Once the agreement is executed, the Recipient will submit reimbursement requests and progress reports as the project is implemented.

Contact Information:

• DFA-CAA@waterboards.ca.gov
• Telephone: (916) 319-9066
• Receive updates on this topic by email. Subscribe online to the Cleanup and Abatement Account email list. https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CAWRCB/subscriber/new?qsp=ca_swrcb#financial

For the most current and complete information on this program, please visit https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/urgent_water_needs.html

CAA Cleanup or Abatement Projects

The Cleanup and Abatement Account (CAA) was created by Water Code Sections 13440-13443 to provide grants for the cleanup or abatement of a condition of pollution when there are no viable responsible parties available to undertake the work. The CAA is supported by court judgments and administrative civil liabilities assessed by the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Boards).

Who is eligible?

• Public agencies, including Regional Boards
• A Tribal government that is on the California Tribal Consultation List maintained by the Native American Heritage Commission and is a DAC.

• A not-for-profit organization serving a DAC; or
• A community water system that serves a DAC.

Which projects are eligible?

• The State Board is currently only accepting projects that are Tier 1 – Primary Urgency per its Guidelines:
  • Emergency projects that require immediate action to mitigate a significant threat to the environment or a threat to public health and safety where there has been no viable responsible party (RP) identified, or where the viable RP is unwilling or unable to adequately respond to the emergency.

How to Apply:

• To apply for funding, complete the funding application online via the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). Select the RFP titled “Cleanup and Abatement Account - 2015 onwards.
• FAAST training presentation is available here.

Funding Process Overview:

Once a complete application is submitted, the Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) staff will review and follow up with the applicant regarding any questions. Once all questions have been addressed, a funding recommendation will be prepared and submitted to management. The DFA Deputy Director and the Executive Director of the State Water Board are delegated authority to approve up to $500,000 in CAA funds per project, for routine or non-controversial projects. Any non-routine or controversial projects, or CAA approvals exceeding $500,000 per project, will require State Water Board approval.

If funding is approved, DFA staff will notify the Recipient and provide the start date for costs to be incurred. DFA staff will also work with the Recipient to develop a scope of work for the grant agreement.

Funding is through a reimbursement process. It typically takes several months to develop a grant agreement and reimbursements can only be paid out once a funding agreement has been executed. Once the agreement is executed, the Recipient will submit reimbursement requests and progress reports as the project is implemented.

Contact Information:

• Email: DFA-CAA@waterboards.ca.gov
• During normal hours: Monday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Telephone: (916) 319-9066
• Receive updates on this topic by email by subscribing to the Cleanup and Abatement Account email list.

For the most current and complete information on this program, please visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/cleanup_and_abatement.html

 Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) provides training, technical and financial resources and advocacy so rural communities can achieve their goals and visions

Founded more than 40 years ago, RCAC provides a wide range of community development services for rural and Native American communities, and community-based organizations in 13 western states and other Pacific islands. RCAC was certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in 1996 and finances affordable housing, community facilities, utility infrastructure and small businesses in rural communities. As a certified CDFI, RCAC fills financing gaps and serves those traditionally neglected by conventional markets.

With more than $150 million in lending capital, RCAC is a major resource for rural communities. Headquartered in West Sacramento, California, RCAC’s employees serve rural communities from field offices located throughout our service region.

The Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) offers loans to finance water and waste facility projects. RCAC’s loan program is unique — it provides the early funds small rural communities need to determine project feasibility and to pay pre-development costs prior to receiving state and federal funding.

Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 or less in RCAC’s service region.

• Nonprofit organizations
• Public agencies
• Federal or State recognized Tribal governments

MHI of system’s service area must be less than County or State MHI, whichever is greater. If MHI does not qualify, then system might qualify under a different load program.

Projects must be located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 or less in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii and other pacific islands, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Community size is limited to 10,000 for long-term USDA guaranteed loans and short-term loans for which USDA is the long-term lender.

• Loan applications are available online at www.rcac.org. Applications are specific to the requested loan product. RCAC loan officers and environmental staff can provide application assistance.
• Loan Fee is 1 percent.
• Interest rates and fees are subject to change. Short-term rates are generally in the 5 percent range.
• The RCAC Loan Committee can make loan policy exceptions to tailor a loan to fit community needs.
• Loans may roll from one into the next, for example, feasibility to pre-development, or may be freestanding. Limited additional borrower information is required for progressive loans; the PER provides most information. A more extensive loan application is required for freestanding pre-development, construction or long-term loans.
• Amounts given as normally not to exceed are loan policy limits; higher amounts may be approved.

• RCAC encourages incorporation of water and energy saving features in new or rehabilitation infrastructure projects
• Applicant must agree to provide green components or features as part of the project
• Loan applications meeting green criteria are given funding priority

SHORT-TERM LOANS (1 TO 3 YEARS) FOR:

• Normally not more than $50,000
• Unsecured, Promissory Note only
• Normal term — one year
• Entity must be eligible for long-term financing from governmental or other source and have reasonable priority rating for probable funding
• Entity must agree to repay loan, on extended terms, if necessary, if project does not proceed
• Must have technical assistance to extent needed, either from RCAC or another acceptable technical assistance source

• Amount corresponding with other financing source Letter of Conditions to cover preconstruction costs
• Normally not to exceed $1 million
• Unsecured, Promissory Note only
• Letter of Conditions from long-term funding source
• Normal term — one year • Technical assistance as necessary

• Amount corresponding with other financing source Letter of Conditions to cover loan portion of funding commitment
• Normally not to exceed $6 million
• Generally secured by same type of security as permanent financing source outlined in Letter of Conditions for permanent loan
• Commitment letter for permanent financing from funding source
• Loan term corresponding with construction period for loan portion

INTERMEDIATE TERM LOANS: 

• Up to 20 years repayment
• 5 percent interest rate
• For smaller capital needs, normally not to exceed $200,000

LONG-TERM LOANS:

• Must meet requirements of USDA Rural Utilities Service Water and Waste Disposal Guaranteed Loan Program, such as eligible loan purpose and eligible entity
• Fees – 1 percent loan fee, 1 percent guarantee fee on guaranteed portion of loan (80 percent)
• Interest rate – set at time of closing in accordance with the secondary market rate for the term of the loan
• Generally used when system improvements are needed and system does not have priority to qualify for more favorable funding sources
• Cannot be used for public body applicants who would issue tax exempt obligations as security
• Applicant must demonstrate repayment ability and security for the loan

• Application materials are available at https://www.rcac.org/lending-2/environmental-loans/

• Please visit https://www.rcac.org/lending-2/environmental-loans/ for the most current information about this program.
• If you would like to talk to an RCAC loan fund staff member about these or other lending needs, please call1-855-979-7322.

Bottled Water for Schools Grant Program

The purpose of the Bottled Water for Schools (BWFS) Grant Program is to provide bottled drinking water to eligible schools with a water quality, such as a primary maximum contaminant level (MCL) exceedance, or water supply issue, such as a dry well.

Who is eligible?

• Public schools serving kindergarten or any of grades 1-12
• Preschools and child daycare facilities located on public school property

How to apply:

• For schools interested in applying, please reach out to Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) via email at agua4all@rcac.org. Please include the name of the school(s), district name, and a description and documentation of the water quality or supply issue the school(s) are facing. RCAC will assist the school in preparing an application.

Funding Process Overview:

The Program is administered by RCAC who works directly with vendors to set up and manage delivery of bottled drinking water to approved schools. The Program provides up to ¼ of a gallon per person per school day for up to two years at any one school. Approved schools will be required to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RCAC before deliveries can be made. For additional information on the MOU requirements, please visit RCAC's webpage: https://www.rcac.org/environmental/agua4all/bottled-water-for-schools/

For the most current and complete information, please visit https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/schools/

Drinking Water for Schools Grant Program

The purpose of Drinking Water for Schools (DWFS) Grant Program is to improve access to, and the quality of, drinking water in public schools located within or serving disadvantaged communities (DACs). An additional $6.8 million has been authorized for the DWFS Grant Program (Round 2). Grant funds were awarded to Self-Help Enterprises (SHE) and Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC), and they will act as Program Administrators. The first priority will be schools with impaired water quality. Program Administrators will reach out throughout the life of the program to schools meeting priority criteria.

 To receive additional information on the program as it develops, please sign up for the Drinking Water for Schools email list ("Financial Assistance"; section).

 Who is eligible?

• Public schools serving kindergarten or any of grades 1-12
• Preschools and child daycare facilities located on public school property

Schools must be located within or serving a Disadvantaged Community (DAC). Schools also must have a documented water quality or supply issue.

 Eligible Projects

Eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• Installation of Point-of-Entry (POE) Treatment Devices, or Point-of-Use (POU) Treatment Devices for water bottle filling stations, drinking fountains, and other fixtures that provide water for human consumption, including up to three years of: replacement filters, operation and maintenance (O&M), and monitoring of POE Treatment Devices or POU Treatment Devices;
• Installation, replacement, or repairs of drinking water fixtures and associated plumbing appurtenances that are necessary to address lead contamination identified pursuant to the Lead Sampling of Drinking Water in California Schools program and that requires a corrective action;
• Provision of interim alternative water supplies for schools served by water systems in the process of implementing a permanent solution, including purchases of temporary transfer water, hauled water, and bottled water; · Installation or replacement of water bottle filling stations or drinking water fountains with or without treatment devices capable of removing contaminants present in the school’s water supply

Due to the significant need throughout the State, the maximum grant amount will be $100,000 per individual school.

How to Apply:

For schools in Mendocino County interested in applying, please reach out to RCAC at agua4all@rcac.org. Please include the name of the school(s), district name, and a description and documentation of the water quality or supply issue the school(s) are facing. Webpages for Program Administrators are listed below under Reference Material for Round 2 Awarded Projects and contain directions on how to apply.

Funding Process Overview:

Program Administrators will work directly with eligible school districts to develop and fund projects. Local Education Agencies (LEAs) can also complete an application and implement the project themselves or obtain assistance from SHE or RCAC. Technical Assistance from SHE and RCAC includes completing funding application, overseeing and inspecting project installations, monitoring, as well as planning and conducting operations and maintenance.

Program Guidelines: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/schools/docs/dwfs1819_adoptedgls.pdf

Contact Information

 Please send all inquiries and questions to agua4all@rcac.org

For the most current and complete information, please visit: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/schools/

DWR Program Assists Tribal and Underrepresented Communities with Groundwater Challenges

Within the State of California, Tribes and underrepresented communities face many challenges accessing clean, affordable water supplies such as groundwater – especially during droughts. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is offering technical assistance services to Tribal and underrepresented communities to help address these challenges and support local Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) implementation.

DWR’s Underrepresented Community Technical Assistance program identifies communities throughout California with water supply issues such as dry groundwater wells, water shortages, or poor water quality. The program is currently offering free needs assessments and preliminary engineering reports to help communities determine potential projects for future funding. Once vulnerabilities are identified, the program conducts site visits and workshops to gather valuable feedback from community members on the challenges their community is facing.

The program is also offering educational materials on the basics of SGMA and the roles and responsibilities of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies or other entities to help communities understand who is responsible for SGMA implementation in their geographic area.

For more information about the Underrepresented Community Technical Assistance program and upcoming funding, visit DWR’s SGM Grant Program page.

2021 Urban and Multibenefit Drought Relief Grant Program: Guidelines and Proposal Solicitation Package

2021 Guidelines for the Small Community Drought Relief Program

10/15/21 Mendocino County Drought Funding Workshop Presentation Slidedeck

California DWR Drought Funding Information Session - 09/16/21:

For more information, please email Josie Slovut.