Rural, small, and Tribal systems often face unique financial and operational challenges related to workforce shortages and declining rate bases, in addition to the common challenges of aging infrastructure and increasing costs. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently announced $49 million in funding to technical assistance providers to help communities address wastewater challenges through the Clean Water Rural, Small and Tribal Technical Assistance (RST TA) grant program.
The funding will benefit communities with wastewater infrastructure and Clean Water Act compliance projects. USEPA anticipates awarding federal grants to the following recipients:
- National Rural Water Association
- Rural Community Assistance Partnership
- Southwest Environmental Finance Center-New Mexico
- Alaska Municipal League
- NEIWPCC
- Pacific International Center for High Technology Research
The RST TA grant program is meant to assist rural, small, and Tribal municipalities and governments in securing financing and funding needed to support infrastructure improvements. The grants also help rural, small, and Tribal wastewater treatment systems build their technical, managerial, and financial capacity to operate systems well, protect water quality, and maintain compliance. The services are available to municipalities and treatment systems in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Tribes. To request technical assistance for your system, complete the Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) Request Form.