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Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program in Florida

closed
May 10, 2023 – June 10, 2023


FY 2023 Funding Opportunity Announcement

What does this program do?

This program helps qualified nonprofits and tribes create a revolving loan fund to increase access to clean, reliable water and septic systems for households in eligible rural areas.

Who may apply for these grants?

Nonprofits that have:

  • Expertise and experience promoting the safe, productive use of individually-owned household water wells systems
  • Legal authority to act as a lender
  • Sufficient expertise and experience in lending activities
  • Financial, technical and managerial capacity to comply with relevant federal and state laws and regulations

How may grant funds be used?

Grant funds may be used to help a nonprofit create a revolving loan fund for eligible individuals who own and occupy a home in an eligible rural area. The fund may be used to construct, refurbish, or service individually-owned household water well and septic systems. Terms for the loans include one percent fixed interest rate, 20-year maximum term, and an $15,000 maximum loan per household.

What is an eligible area?

Are matching funds required for the grant?

Yes. The nonprofit must contribute at least 10 percent.

  • Matching funds may be from the non-profit applicant or a third party.
  • Matching funds may not be in-kind.

Note: Homeowners seeking a loan should contact RD for details on nonprofits participating in this program.

Are there any Environmental requirements associated with this grant?

RUS will notify a successful applicant by an award letter accompanied by a grant agreement and multi-tier action environmental compliance agreement.  The grant agreement will contain the terms and conditions for the grant; the multi-tier action environmental compliance agreement will detail the Recipient’s responsibilities in meeting the Agency’s Environmental Policies and Procedures, 7 CFR part 1970, in particular §1970.55 which applies to multi-tier actions or relending actions.  The multi-tier action environmental compliance agreement acknowledges that further “tiered” environmental review may be required and coordinated by the Recipient prior to approving Subrecipient applications for re-lending purposes.  The applicant must execute and return the agreements, accompanied by any additional items required by the award letter or grant agreement.

How do we get started?

  • Electronic applications are accepted through Grants.gov.

Who can answer questions?

What governs this program?

  • Code of Federal Regulations 7 CFR 1776
  • Section 306E of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

Why does USDA Rural Development do this?

This program helps communities improve access to safe, reliable drinking water for households and improve the sanitary conditions caused by inadequate septic systems in rural areas.

 

NOTE: Please select your state in the dropdown menu above to find the state office contact information for this program and speak to a program specialist before attempting to fill out any forms or applications. This will save you time in completing your application. Please also refer to the application materials listed below.

FY 2023 Rural Decentralized Water Systems Grant Program Application Guide | PDF

National Architect Requirements:

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.

Area Offices in Florida & US Virgin Islands:

Most loans and grants are originated and/or serviced in the Area Office. Please contact the Area Office that services your County or Town. See our: Florida County Map.
Please contact the USVI St. Croix Office for all of the USVI.

CRESTVIEW AREA OFFICE
3070 Adora Teal Way, Suite C
Crestview, Florida 32539
Telephone: (850) 682-2416
Fax: (855) 473-8755

Counties Served: Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton

MARIANNA AREA OFFICE
2741 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 5
Marianna, Florida 32448
Telephone: (850) 526-2610
Fax: (855) 474-6969

 

Counties Served: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla, and Washington

LAKE CITY AREA OFFICE
971 W Duval St, Suite 190
Lake City, Florida 32055-3736
Phone: (386) 719-5590
Fax: (855) 474-6983

Counties Served: Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, St. Johns, Taylor, and Union.

OCALA AREA OFFICE
2441 NE 3rd Street, Suite 204-1
Ocala, Florida 34470
Telephone: (352) 732-7534
Fax: (855) 474-6990

Counties Served: Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Flagler, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia

CHAMPIONS GATE AREA OFFICE
8390 Champions Gate Blvd, Suite 210
Champions Gate, FL  33896
Telephone: (863) 420-4833
Fax number: (855) 474-8230

Counties Served: Brevard, Hernando, Hillsborough, Indian River, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, and Polk

ROYAL PALM BEACH AREA OFFICE **(see Sub Office information)
420 South State Road 7, Suite 166
Royal Palm Beach, Florida 33414-4306
Phone: (561) 792-2727
Fax: (855) 475-4827

**N. Ft. Myers (Sub Office of Royal Palm Beach)
3434 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Suite 209-A
N. Ft. Myers, Florida 33903-7005
Telephone: (239) 997-7331
FAX: (855) 475-8043

Counties Served from Royal Palm Beach and North Fort Myers: Broward, Dade, Glades, Hendry, Highlands, Martin, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Hardee, Lee, Manatee, and Sarasota.

ST. CROIX US Virgin Islands AREA OFFICE
4401 Sion Farm, Ste. #2
Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00820
Phone: (340) 773-9146
FAX: (855) 475-6940

Locations Served: St. Croix, St. John & St. Thomas, VI

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