The USDA is providing long term and low interest loans to rural areas and towns with fewer than 10,000 people

Eligible addresses linked here.

How may the funds be used?
Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of:

• Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and distribution
• Sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal
• Solid waste collection, disposal and closure
• Storm water collection, transmission and disposal

In some cases, funding may also be available for related activities such as:

• Legal and engineering fees
• Land acquisition, water and land rights, permits and equipment
• Start-up operations and maintenance
• Interest incurred during construction
• Purchase of existing facilities to improve service or prevent loss of service
• Other costs determined to be necessary for completion of the project
• For a complete list, click here

What is the loan term and rate?

• Up to 40-year payback period, based on the useful life of the facilities financed
• Fixed interest rate
• The interest rate is based on the need for the project and the median household income of the area to be served
• Contact a USDA state office for details and current interest rates applicable for your project

Are there additional requirements?

• Borrowers must have the legal authority to construct, operate and maintain the proposed services or facilities
• All facilities receiving federal financing must be used for a public purpose
• Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and non-profit entities that offer financial assistance are encouraged
• Projects must be financially sustainable

Click Here to Apply Now!

The State of California has a website containing all the latest news and information on implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act to empower local agencies to adopt groundwater management plans tailored to the resources and needs of their communities. 

The website also contains a Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) toolkit, providing direct links to guidance for the formation of Groundwater Sustainability Agencies and development of Groundwater Sustainability Plans. 

The Groundwater Act Blog (GAB) features guest posts on groundwater success stories, water management and drought.

Visit the website at http://www.groundwater.ca.gov

You can also follow the latest California Groundwater news on twitter @GroundwaterAct