USDA's Rural Utilities Service has more than $4 billion in Direct Loan funds and $1 billion in grant funds available for rural community water and wastewater system improvements; nearly triple the normal annual obligation.
The funding is available for small towns (population of 10,000 or fewer) to construct a water tank, install new water or sewer lines, or build a waste water treatment plant along with a myriad of other projects.
USDA's Water and Environmental Program (WEP) offers long-term, low-interest loans and grants.
USDA Rural Development State Director Phil Cowee called the funding a tremendous opportunity to replace old lines or outdated, inefficient systems.
"New systems enhance efficiency and conserve water, and water is essential for communities to thrive," Cowee said. "Our funds work together with state partners' programs that provide drinking water or wastewater treatment funding, and that makes infrastructure systems more affordable."
For instance, the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has the State Revolving Loan Fund, and the Governor's Office of Economic Development has Community Development Block Grants that can help with system improvements.
For more information about USDA's funding, contact USDA Rural Development Community Programs Director Cheryl Couch at (775) 887-1222 Ext. 4760 or by email at cheryl.couch@nv.usda.gov
USDA WEP eligibility information is available online at https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program/nv