What does this program do?
This program helps eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water.
Who may apply?
- Rurally located public bodies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Federally recognized tribes
- Applicants must show that a major decline in quantity or quality of water occurred within two years of the date of the application. Grants are also awarded when a significant decline in quality and quantity of water is imminent.
What kind of event can qualify as an emergency?
- Drought or flood
- Earthquake
- Tornado or hurricane
- Disease outbreak
- Chemical spill, leak or seepage
- Other disasters
NOTE: A federal disaster declaration is not required.
What is an eligible area?
- Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less -- check eligible addresses
- Tribal lands in rural areas
- Colonias
The area to be served must also have a median household income less-than the state's median household income for non-metropolitan areas. Contact your local RD office for details.
How may the funds be used?
- Water transmission line grants up to $150,000 to construct waterline extensions, repair breaks or leaks in existing water distribution lines, and address related maintenance necessary to replenish the water supply
- Water source grants up to $1,000,000 for the construction of new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, treatment plants, and/or other sources of water (water source up to and including the treatment plant)
Are matching funds required?
- Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and nonprofit entities are encouraged
How do we get started?
- Applications for this program are accepted year round,
online through RD APPLY or through your local RD office. - Program resources are available online (forms, guidance, certifications, etc.).
Who can answer questions?
- Staff in your local RD office
- Participating nonprofit associations
What governs this program?
- Code of Federal Regulation, 7 CFR 1778
- Section 306A of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act
Why does USDA Rural Development do this?
This program helps prevent damage or restore households and business' access to clean, reliable drinking water in eligible rural areas and towns following natural disasters. Funding can improve the natural environment and encourage manufacturers and other businesses to locate or expand operations.
NOTE: Please select your state 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.
Architect: Michael Davis
PHONE: 614-255-2429
EMAIL: michael.davis@oh.usda.gov
There are no other architect, engineering or environmental requirements at the national level. If there are additional state-specific requirements they will be listed above.
There are no other additional requirements at the national level. If there are additional state-specific requirements they will be listed above.
Community Programs Director:
Charles Dietz (state office)
PHONE: 614-255-2431
EMAIL: Charles.Dietz@usda.gov
Assistant:
Chester Folck (state office)
PHONE: 614-255-2426
EMAIL: chester.folck@usda.gov
FINDLAY AREA OFFICE DIRECTOR:
Ann Stahl (state office)
PHONE: 419-581-4503
EMAIL: ann.stahl@usda.gov
Findlay Specialist:
Mary Carr
PHONE: 419-581-4500
EMAIL: mary.carr@usda.gov
HILLSBORO AREA OFFICE DIRECTOR:
Ashley Kelly
PHONE: 937-393-1921 ext.127
EMAIL: ashley.kelly@usda.gov
Hillsboro Specialist:
Cindy Cameron
PHONE: 937-3931921 ext.118
EMAIL: cindy.cameron@usda.gov
MARIETTA AREA OFFICE DIRECTOR:
Brent Warrenjulia.wood@usda.gov
PHONE: 740-885-3303
EMAIL: brent.warren@usda.gov
Marietta Specialist:
Julia Wood
PHONE: 740-885-3295
EMAIL: julia.wood@usda.gov
MASSILLON AREA OFFICE DIRECTOR:
John Miller
PHONE: 330-481-2215
EMAIL: john.miller@usda.gov
Massillon Specialist:
Michael Antonille
PHONE: 330-481-2228
EMAIL: michael.antonille@usda.gov
Civil Engineer:
Matthew McCoppin (state office)
PHONE: 614-255-2421
EMAIL: matthew.mccoppin@usda.gov
Architect:
Michael Davis (state office)
PHONE: 614-255-2429
EMAIL: michael.davis5@usda.gov