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Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Colorado

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What does this program do?

This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

Who may apply?

This program assists qualified applicants who are not otherwise able to obtain commercial credit on reasonable terms. Eligible applicants include:

What is an eligible area?

Areas that may be served include:

What kinds of funding are available?

  • Long-term, low-interest loans
  • If funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan if necessary to keep user costs reasonable.

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 facilities to improve service or prevent loss of service
  • Other costs determined to be necessary for completion of the project
  • See 7 CFR Part 1780.7 and 1780.9 for a complete list

What is the loan term and rate?

  • Up to 40-year payback period, based on the useful life of the facilities financed
  • Fixed interest rates, based on the need for the project and the median household income of the area to be served

Contact us 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 nonprofit entities that offer financial assistance are encouraged.
  • Projects must be financially sustainable.

How do we get started?

Visit RD Apply

  • Applications are accepted year round and may be filed electronically using RD Apply. The RD Apply Customer Help Guide is provided to help you get started and work through the application process
  • Applications are also accepted through your local RD office.
  • Program resources are available online (i.e., forms, guidance, certifications, etc.).

Who can answer questions?

  • Contact the local representative who serves your area
  • Participating nonprofits in your area may also offer assistance and training

What governs this program?

Why does USDA Rural Development do this?

This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses. Good practices can save tax dollars, improve the natural environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to locate or expand operations.

NOTE: Program details may change over time. Before you begin an application, please confirm you have the most current information by contacting a program specialist in your local RD office for assistance or consult the program instructions listed in the section above titled "What Governs this Program?"

NOTE: Please ensure that your state is selected in the dropdown menu above to find the state office contact information, and speak to a program specialist before attempting to fill out any forms or applications. This will save you time in completing your application.

Interest Rates

Current interest rates for 2nd quarter FY 2024, effective April 1, 2024.  

Poverty:  2.125%
Intermediate:  2.750%
Market:  3.500%

National Architect Requirements:

There are no other architect requirements at the national level. If there are additional state-specific requirements they will be listed above.

National Engineering Requirements:

Key WEP Engineering Resource Page

 

Individual states will have particular requirements based on state and local regulations. Please contact the local RD office in the state where your project is located.

State Environmental Requirements:

The State Environmental Coordinator assists all Rural Development program staff, applicants, owners, and other concerned parties in meeting the Agency requirements for compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, The National Historic Preservation Act, and other laws governing the protection of environmental and cultural resources. For more information please contact the Rural Development loan specialist servicing your area using the following link Colorado Office Contacts or the RD State Architect: You can also visit the following sites for a complete overview:

  • CFR Part 1500 USDA Rural Development Environmental Compliance Library Council on Environmental Quality - Regulation for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act
  • The USDA RD Colorado Environmental Resource Directory provides useful links to local environmental data, research tools and expert agency contacts: https://www.rd.usda.gov/files/ColoradoERD.pdf

     

There are no other additional requirements at the national level. If there are additional state-specific requirements they will be listed above.

For questions and program information, contact a member of the Community Programs Team near you: 

Cortez Office:

Amelia Wyaco -  Loan Assistant, 970-529-8355 
amelia.wyaco@usda.gov

Duane Dale - Community Programs Director, 970-529-8375
 duane.dale@usda.gov

Craig Office:

Audrey Anna Masterson – Loan Specialist, 970-329-3163
audrey.masterson@usda.gov

Delta Office:

Amy Crick – Loan Specialist, 970-399-8195 
amy.crick@usda.gov

Denver Office:

Chris Laughton – Loan Assistant, 720-544-2930 
paul.laughton@usda.gov

Kevin McCann - Loan Specialist, 720-544-2912 
kevin.mccann@usda.gov

Allison Ruiz – Loan Specialist, 720-544-2920
allison.ruiz@usda.gov

Las Animas Office:

Jennifer Garcia – Loan Specialist, 719-456-0120, x116 
jennifer.garcia2@usda.gov

Wray Office:

Andria (Andi) Cox - Loan Specialist, 970-592-9027 
andria.cox@usda.gov

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