Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants Program in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island

What does this program do?

Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants help eligible communities pay expenses related to damages to rural water systems as a result of events (Presidentially Declared Disasters) that occurred between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022.  For the purposes of this program, the term “water” refers to all water resource infrastructure, including drinking water, wastewater, stormwater drainage, and solid waste facilities.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for USDA funding under this program, a system must have been damaged by a Presidentially Declared Disaster that occurred in Calendar Year 2022 (January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2022).  For a current list of Presidentially Declared Disasters, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and type “2022” into the Declaration Date search box.

An applicant must have legal authority to own and operate the water system and meet certain other criteria as spelled out in the Federal Register notice (link above).  The following types of organizations may apply:

• Municipalities, counties, districts, authorities, or other political subdivisions of a state, commonwealth, or territory
• Nonprofit organizations
• Federally recognized Tribes
• Community-based prefabricated home organizations
   

What is an eligible area?

Rural areas and towns with populations of not more than 35,000

• Federally recognized Tribal lands with populations of not more than 35,000
• Colonias with populations of not more than 35,000

How can funds be used?

Funds can be used to develop water infrastructure system capacity and resiliency to reduce or eliminate long term risks from hazards resulting from(Presidentially declared) disasters during calendar year 2022.

How do we get started?

• Applications are accepted year-round, and can be filed electronically using RD Apply
• RD Apply Application Intake Guide.

Applications are also accepted through your local USDA Rural Development office. 

Who can answer questions?

The USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Program specialists who serve your area can help. A list of state-based offices is available at https://www.rd.usda.gov/about-rd/state-offices.

What law governs this program? 

The 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 117-328, Division N)

NOTE: Because information changes, always consult official program instruction or contact your local Rural Development office for help.