Grant Program to Establish a Fund for Financing Water and Wastewater Projects
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
If no listing, get in touch with the appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Program Accomplishments
Not available.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Grant funds will be used to establish and maintain a revolving loan fund to finance pre-development costs associated with proposed water and wastewater projects or with existing water and wastewater systems, and short-term costs incurred for replacement equipment, small-scale extension of services, or other small capital projects that are not part of the regular operations and maintenance activities of existing water and wastewater systems.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
An applicant must be a private organization, organized as a non-profit corporation.
The applicant must have the legal capacity and authority to perform the obligations of the grant.
The applicant must have sufficient expertise and experience in making and servicing loans.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Municipalities, counties, and other political subdivisions of a State, such as districts and authorities, associations, cooperatives, corporations operated on a not-for-profit basis, Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations and other Federally recognized Indian tribes. Facilities shall primarily serve rural residents and rural businesses. The service area shall not include any area in any city or town having a population in excess of 10,000 inhabitants according to the latest decennial census of the United States. The loan recipient must be unable to finance the proposed project from their own resources or through commercial credit at reasonable rates and terms. The loan recipient must have or will obtain the legal authority necessary for owning, constructing, operating and maintaining the proposed service or facility, and for obtaining, giving security for, and repaying the proposed loan.
Credentials/Documentation
Evidence of legal capacity, economic feasibility, ability to administer and service a revolving loan fund, commitment and sources of financial resources the organization controls.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The standard application forms furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No.
A-110.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
The Water and Environmental Programs of the USDA Rural Utilities Service administers the program. Application Form SF-424 is filed at the National Office in Washington, DC, from which assistance may be obtained. This program is subject to the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedures
The Water and Environmental Programs staff in Washington, DC, will review and process the application. Following completion of application processing requirements and grant approval, funds are made available to the applicant.
Deadlines
To be determined by Secretary, USDA.
Authorization
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act, as amended, Section 6002, Public Law 107-171, 7 U.S.C. 1926e.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 30 to 60 days.
Appeals
If an application is rejected, the reasons for rejection are stated fully. The applicant may request a review of this decision at the RUS National level.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
Applicants must provide funds from other sources equal to at least 20 percent of the RFP grant.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
A time limitation is not specified for the RUS grant funds. Funds will be awarded when all RUS requirements are met and the project can be completed on a timely basis.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Periodic reports are to be made to the RUS servicing official.
Audits
Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's system of financial management and internal control to meet terms and conditions of the grants and other agreements. Audits should be completed in accordance with the requirements of OMB Circular No. A-133, Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations or RUS requirements, whichever apply.
Records
Records and accounts are required to reflect the project operations.
Financial Information
Account Identification
12-0400-0-1-452.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 $495,000 FY 08 est $0; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not available.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
7 CFR 1783, Grant Program to Establish a Fund for Financing Water and Wastewater Projects; The Revolving Fund Program 2005 Grant Application Guide.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Consult your local telephone directory for Rural Development local number. If no listing, get in touch with the appropriate Rural Development State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog.
Headquarters Office
Assistant Administrator, Water and Environmental Programs, Rural Utilities Service, Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 690-2670.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
RUS assistance for grant projects will be directed toward truly rural areas and rural communities. Considerations for available funds emphasize such criteria as; population, low income, unemployment; health and sanitary problems. RUS financed facilities will not be inconsistent with any development plans of the State, multi-jurisdictional area, county, or municipality in which the proposed project is located.
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