Water and Wastewater Rate-Setting: Fixed Charge Considerations

According to the results of the 2019 AE2S Utility Rate Survey, it is most common for systems to utilize a combination of fixed and variable charges in its utility rate structures – particularly for drinking water rates. Just 1.1% of municipal survey respondents of all sizes are using a fixed charge (with no volumetric charge) … 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

USEPA Announces $2.6 Billion in New Funding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) recently announced the availability of $2.6 billion in new funds to assist States, Tribes and territories with improving drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across the country. In 2019, USEPA is making available more than $1 billion in new Federal grant funding for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). This funding … Read more

Guidance Issued for DWSRF Funding

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) has issued new guidance for States to use when applying for financing from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The new guidance highlights recent changes made to the DWSRF as a result of the America’s Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018: *Increases the amount of additional subsidy available … 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

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