Securing funding for water and sewer infrastructure projects can be challenging, especially for smaller communities. Fortunately, there is a range of federal and state programs that offer financial assistance to help communities provide safe and reliable water and sewer services. Here’s an overview of four major funding programs that support drinking water and sewer projects from the planning stages through design and construction:
1. Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program
The DWSRF Program is a federal-state partnership providing low-cost financing to improve drinking water infrastructure. Eligible applicants may also receive grant assistance along with the low-cost loan, evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible Projects:
- Treatment plants (new and improved)
- Water mains: transmission and distribution
- Supply sources (wells, interconnections, and surface water intakes)
- Storage facilities (i.e. water towers)
- Water security projects
- Reservoir water rights acquisition to meet the Safe Drinking Water Act objectives
Who Can Apply:
- Municipalities and counties
- Public water supply or sewer districts
- Nonprofits offering wholesale or regional water supply
- Investor-owned water utilities
2. Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program
Similar to the DWSRF, the CWSRF Program helps communities fund sewer infrastructure and other environmental water quality projects through low-cost loans and grants. Applicants are evaluated for grant opportunities on an individual basis.
Eligible Projects:
- Wastewater treatment plants (new or improved)
- Acquisition or decommissioning of wastewater treatment facilities
- Sewer line extensions
- Combined sewer overflow and sanitary sewer overflow corrections
- Removal of stormwater and groundwater intrusion into sanitary sewer systems
- Stormwater management and reuse projects
- Wetland protection and restoration
- System security, efficiency, and conservation measures
- Decentralized wastewater treatment systems
Who Can Apply:
- Municipalities and counties
- Public water supply or sewer districts
- Political subdivisions and state instrumentalities
- Privately-owned and nonprofit facilities (for nonpoint source projects)
3. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
The CDBG Program offers gap funding assistance to support critical water and sewer projects in smaller communities. These grants are designed to maximize local contributions and complement other loans or grants. In Missouri, communities seeking CDBG assistance must have the project approved for funding through the Missouri Water and Wastewater Review Committee (MWWRC).
Eligible Projects:
- Publicly owned water and wastewater systems
- Systems with an appropriate rate structure
- Projects meeting the Low-and-Moderate Income (LMI) national objective
- Eligible applicants will be invited to apply by the MWWRC.
Who Can Apply:
- Cities with populations under 50,000
- Counties with populations under 200,000
- Communities where at least 51% of the population qualifies as low-to-moderate income
4. USDA – Rural Development (RD)
The USDA Rural Development program provides funding for essential infrastructure in rural areas to ensure access to safe drinking water, sanitary sewage collection and treatment, and effective stormwater management through low-cost loans and grant possibilities Grant eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible Projects:
- Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage, and distribution
- Sewer collection, transmission, and treatment
- Stormwater collection and disposal
- Solid waste management (including closure of solid waste sites)
Funding may also cover:
- Legal and engineering fees
- Land acquisition, permits, and equipment
- Start-up operations and maintenance costs
- Interest during construction
- Facility purchases to improve or sustain services
Who Can Apply:
- Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or fewer
- Public Water Supply Districts
- Tribal lands in rural areas
- Applicants unable to secure commercial credit on reasonable terms
Why These Programs Matter
These funding opportunities empower communities to address critical infrastructure needs while meeting federal and state environmental standards. From improving drinking water quality to protecting wetlands and supporting underserved areas, these programs offer tailored solutions to ensure safe and sustainable water and sewer systems for future generations.
If you’re considering applying for any of these programs, McClure is here to help guide you through the process and bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with project planning, funding applications, and engineering solutions.
Philip Wilson, PE
Philip assists communities and rural water districts in the remediation and design of wastewater and water systems helping bring them into compliance with new and ever-changing regulations. His experience with complex wastewater and stormwater projects extends far beyond the local level. Prior to joining McClure in 2011, he worked as an environmental engineer with the MoDNR where he gained an understanding of the Missouri Clean Water Commission regulations and was involved in statewide wastewater policy development including a template design for the Capacity, Management, Operation and Maintenance (CMOM) Program for use by cities and sewer districts; initial stages for sanitary sewer overflow reporting and response policy; and procedures and guidance for using new technology in wastewater treatment systems. You can contact Philip at pwilson@mcclurevision.com.
Coby Crowl, PE
Coby has wide-ranging experience as a civil engineering consultant and has served as project principle, manager, or engineer on a variety of projects for both private and public sectors. His specialties include civil site design, urban design, water and wastewater planning, design and construction administration, pump station design, roadway design, stormwater management, and on-call engineering. He is dedicated to the success and quality of every project. Having worked for a local heavy civil contractor, Coby combines his design experience with the thought process contractors follow for projects to be functional, practical, and cost effective. You can contact Coby at ccrowl@mcclurevision.com.
Learn More
Learn more about McClure’s Water and Wastewater services or contact us at info@mcclurevision.com.