The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced $25.7 million in grants for small towns and rural communities facing significant water challenges.
EPA announced the grants for technical assistance and training for small drinking water and wastewater systems, more often than not located in rural communities, according to a Dec. 12 news release. The funding is intended to help ensure drinking water in those communities is safe and that wastewater properly treated before being "responsibly returned to the environment."
"Small towns and rural communities are crucial to the progress and prosperity of our nation, but these areas still face significant challenges with drinking water and wastewater infrastructure," EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in the news release. "Technical assistance supports growth and innovation in these systems, ensuring communities have access to the clean and safe water they deserve."
Applicants for the competitive agreement also would include nonprofit organizations, nonprofit private universities and colleges and public institutions of higher education, according to the news release.
"These grants, coupled with unprecedented resources from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will support the work needed to maintain and upgrade water infrastructure and deliver environmental and economic benefits to rural America," Regan said in the release.
The release reported small water systems are often challenged with aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, increasing costs and declining rate bases. These grants will help provide training and technical assistance for small wastewater systems, small public water systems and private well owners.
Anyone who has questions about applying for training and technical assistance grants must ask them by Jan. 11, 2023. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. EST Jan. 26, 2023. EPA plans to award the cooperative agreements by fall of next year, according to the release.
