Funding

Federal Appropriations Bill & COVID Relief Package Benefits the Water Sector

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The Federal year-end Omnibus Appropriations Bill was grouped with the high profile COVID relief legislative package. Several appropriations benefit the water sector, including: Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF): $1,638,826,000 Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF): $1,126,088,000 Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA): $59.5M U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) Overflow Control & Stormwater Municipal … Read more

‘Tis the Season to Set Rates for Next Year

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The fourth quarter of what seems like the longest year in history is upon us.  As utility decision makers review year-end revenue projections and sign off on expenditures for the coming year, it is also the time for the discussion of the rate schedule.  Rate changes can be a complicated and difficult discussion topic.  The … Read more

Grant Applications for MT & SD Water Quality Projects Due in October

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The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced deadlines for applying for Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), Section 319 nonpoint source control grants. Nonpoint source water pollution is often associated with specific land uses such as agriculture, forestry, urban and suburban development, and runoff from … Read more

$6 Billion in New WIFIA Funding Available for Water Infrastructure

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced the 2020 notice of funding availability under its Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, including funding for the new State Water Infrastructure Financing Authority (SWIFIA) program. The announcement marks the fourth round of WIFIA funding. The funding programs accelerate investment in critical water infrastructure through innovative … Read more

Operation Prairie Dog Funding Update

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As we have seen rapid changes in North Dakota’s economy and oil production resulting from COVID-19, the new “Operation Prairie Dog” infrastructure funding has been similarly impacted. Previous funding estimates are significantly impacted by recent changes in oil prices. Unfortunately, this means disbursements will likely be delayed.  As AE2S Nexus updates models and gathers additional … Read more

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

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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