The U.S. EPA announced $17.7 million in grant funding for technical assistance and training providers to support small drinking water and wastewater systems.
These are often located in rural communities across the U.S., according to the press release.
The aim of the funding is to improve public health and environmental protection by helping to ensure that drinking water in these communities is safe and that wastewater is treated properly.
“One of EPA’s top priorities is ensuring that Americans have safe drinking water, regardless of their zip code,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler.
“Small water systems often face unique financial and operational challenges, including aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs, and declining rate bases,” added the press release. “EPA’s grant funding will be used by nonprofit organizations to provide training and technical assistance to small public water systems, small wastewater systems, and private well owners across the country.”
The funding will help small systems achieve and maintain compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act as well.
Eligible applicants for this competitive agreement are: nonprofit organizations, nonprofit private universities and colleges, and public institutions of higher education, according to the press release.
The application period for these competitive grants is now open, added the EPA.
Questions about applying for EPA funding for training and technical assistance must be received by Feb. 2, 2021, and applications must be received by 11:59 pm EST on Feb. 12, 2021. EPA expects to award these cooperative agreements by Summer 2021 and encourages all eligible organizations who have an interest in these projects to apply.
