What does this program do?
This program helps get safe, reliable drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities that face significant health risks.
Who can apply?
- Federally-recognized Tribes
- State and local governments that serve eligible areas
- Nonprofit organizations that serve eligible areas
What is an eligible area?
- Federally-recognized Tribal lands
- Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or fewer
Residents in the area served must face significant health risks resulting from lack of access to – or use of – adequate, affordable water or waste disposal services. Eligible entities must serve customer bases comprised of at least 50 percent Tribal members. Eligible areas also must meet per capita income and unemployment rate requirements. You can contact your local USDA Rural Development office.
How can funds be used?
Funds can be used to build basic drinking water and waste disposal systems, including systems to handle storm-water drainage.
Are matching funds required?
Usually, yes. Partnerships with other federal, state, or local entities are encouraged. However, under some circumstances — and when funding is available — a 100 percent grant is possible.
How do we get started?
Applications are accepted year-round in your local USDA Rural Development office.
Who can answer questions?
- You can contact your local USDA Rural Development office for help.
- Participating nonprofits also offer assistance and training. Ask your local RD office if any such organizations exist in your area.
What governs this program?
- 7 CFR 1777, Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks.
- Public Law 113-79: Agricultural Act of 2014
Connecticut
Norwich Area Office
Serving Windham and New London Counties
238 West Town Street
Norwich, CT 06360
Phone: (860)887-3604 Ext. 4
Fax: 855-947-9638
Area Director: Tricia Anderson
Tricia.Anderson@usda.gov
(P) (508) 295-5151 ext. 7241
Windsor Area Office
Serving Tolland, Middlesex, Hartford, Litchfield, New Haven, and Fairfield Counties
100 Northfield Drive, Floor 4
Windsor, CT 06095
Phone: (860)902-5382
Fax: 855-947-9638
Area Director: Tricia Anderson
Tricia.Anderson@usda.gov
(P) (508) 808-2892
Massachusetts
Amherst Area Office
Serving Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden Counties
451 West Street
Amherst, MA 01002-2999
Phone: (413) 253-4300
Fax: (855) 596-7672
Area Director: Anne Correia
Anne.Correia@usda.gov
(P) 508-295-5151 ext. 7242
(C) 857-321-2697
Holden Area Office
Serving Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties
52 Boyden Road
Holden, MA 01520
Phone: (508) 829-4477 Ext. 4
Fax: 855-596-7672
Area Director: Anne Correia
Anne.Correia@usda.gov
(P) 508-295-5151 ext. 7242
(C) 857-321-2697
Wareham Area Office
Serving Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth, Dukes, Nantucket, and Barnstable counties
8 Thatcher Lane
Wareham, MA 02571
Phone: (508) 295-5151 Ext. 4
Fax: 855-596-7672
Area Director: Anne Correia
Anne.Correia@usda.gov
(P) 508-295-5151 ext. 7242
(C) 857-321-2697
Rhode Island
Warwick Office
Serving Rhode Island
60 Quaker Lane, Suite 44
Warwick, RI 02886
Phone: (401) 826-0842
Fax: 855-944-7488
Area Director: Tricia Anderson
Tricia.Anderson@usda.gov
(P) (508) 808-2892