Heather Syverson 
It appears 2017 will be a good year to construct or replace underground infrastructure. Thanks to relatively favorable interest rates, infrastructure projects are more affordable right now. “The interest rates in Federal and State funding programs such as the Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRF/CWSRF) and USDA Rural Development funding are at … Read more
The deadline for completing the 16th Annual Rate Survey questionnaire is Monday, March 20, 2017. The digital and print versions of the survey were sent out in late January. Each year, AE2S conducts a survey of water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste utility rates throughout the region. Two unique reports are prepared based on community population. … Read more
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has finalized a rule to amend its Risk Management Program (RMP) regulations. The update aims to reduce the likelihood of accidental releases at chemical facilities and improve emergency response activities when those releases occur. “This rule is based on extensive engagement with nearly 1,800 people over the last two … Read more
The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate passed separate versions of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2016 in September. The Senate passed S. 2848, WRDA, in mid-September. WRDA includes a key water infrastructure provision of $70 million. The funding would allow the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program to … Read more
The South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will accept applications through Oct. 1, 2016 for projects eligible for federal Clean Water Act, Section 319 nonpoint source control grants. DENR officials anticipate approximately $2 million will be available for projects in South Dakota. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) grants require 40 percent … Read more
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) Water Infrastructure and Resiliency Finance Center recently published a compendium of utility customer assistance programs (CAPs). The publication includes information about a multitude of programs created to aid those who have difficulty paying their water and sewer bills. The USEPA says the programs range from discount programs for low … Read more