U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development announced the availability of funding for applications from non-profit organizations to help rural homeowners construct or upgrade household water well systems.
The funding is provided through USDA Rural Development’s Household Water Well System grant program. Grants may be made available to qualified non-profit organizations to establish lending programs for homeowners to borrow up to $11,000 to construct or repair household water wells for an existing home.
“Because many rural residents do not live in areas where a centralized water system is feasible, it is essential that their wells are safe and working properly,” said USDA Rural Development Wisconsin Community Programs, Brian Deaner. “This program helps meet a basic human need, access to clean, safe drinking water.”
USDA Rural Development plans to award up to $993,000 in grants. Non-profit groups must contribute at least 10 percent of the grant request. Individuals are not eligible for grants, but may be eligible for loans through the non-profit’s lending program if their annual household income does not exceed 100 percent of their state or territory’s median non-metropolitan income. Loans may not be provided for home sewer or septic system projects, and USDA does not provide funds directly to property owners under this program.
The application deadline is April 13, 2015. The published Notice and application guide may be obtained electronically through www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/household-water-well-system-grants. For additional information, see the February 10, 2015 Federal Register, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-02-10/pdf/2015-02680.pdf
USDA Rural Development’s funding continues to have a dramatic impact on rural communities across Wisconsin. Last year, USDA Rural Development has invested more than $507.7 million on essential public facilities, small and emerging businesses, water and sewer systems, and housing opportunities for Wisconsin families. Each year more than 100 rural communities in Wisconsin receive assistance from USDA Rural Development for community-improvement and public-safety projects.
USDA Rural Development’s mission is to deliver programs in a way that will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of life of rural residents. Progam funds are used to finance and foster growth in homeownership, business development, and critical community and technological infrastructures. Further information on USDA Rural Development programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting the web site at http://www.rd.usda.gov/wi.