USDA Unveils Tool to Help Rural Communities Address the COVID-19 Pandemic

The U.S. Department of Agriculture posted a one-stop-shop of Federal programs that can be used by rural communities, organizations, and individuals impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide is an online resource for rural leaders looking for federal funding and partnership opportunities to help address this pandemic. USDA has taken many … Read more

$40 Million Available to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced the availability of approximately $40 million to assist disadvantaged communities and schools with removing sources of lead in drinking water. This funding is intended to help protect the health of children in disadvantaged communities and make progress on implementing the Federal Action Plan to Reduce Childhood Lead Exposures. “This … Read more

USDA Invests $192 Million in Rural Water Infrastructure Projects

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $192 million in 71 rural water infrastructure projects across 29 states. The funding comes from the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Rural communities, water districts and other eligible entities can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural … Read more

Funding to Improve Drinking Water Available to Small & Disadvantaged Communities

There is $87 million in grant funding to assist with improving drinking water. States, Tribes, and territories are eligible to receive funding from new U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking water grant programs established by the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN). Under the USEPA’s new Assistance for Small and Disadvantaged Communities grant program, … Read more

New WIFIA Funding Available for Water Infrastructure Projects

The federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program received $68 million in funding through the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019, a $5 million increase in the program’s funding from last year. With increased appropriations, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has announced an estimated $6 billion in loan funding is available in 2019. … Read more

LCCMR Funding Proposals Due April 15

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) has issued its 2020 Request for Proposals (RFP) for funding from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund for projects that will provide multiple ecological and other public benefits. The RFP includes a category for projects under $200,000, especially from local units of government and non- profits, … Read more