U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Https

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock () or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island

open


What does this program do?

This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.

Who may apply?

This program assists qualified applicants who are not otherwise able to obtain commercial credit on reasonable terms. Eligible applicants include:

What is an eligible area?

Areas that may be served include:

What kinds of funding are available?

  • Long-term, low-interest loans
  • If funds are available, a grant may be combined with a loan if necessary to keep user costs reasonable.

How may the funds be used?

Funds may be used to finance the acquisition, construction or improvement of:

  • Drinking water sourcing, treatment, storage and distribution
  • Sewer collection, transmission, treatment and disposal
  • Solid waste collection, disposal and closure
  • Storm water collection, transmission and disposal

In some cases, funding may also be available for related activities such as:

  • Legal and engineering fees
  • Land acquisition, water and land rights, permits and equipment
  • Start-up operations and maintenance
  • Interest incurred during construction
  • Purchase of facilities to improve service or prevent loss of service
  • Other costs determined to be necessary for completion of the project
  • See 7 CFR Part 1780.7 and 1780.9 for a complete list

What is the loan term and rate?

  • Up to 40-year payback period, based on the useful life of the facilities financed
  • Fixed interest rates, based on the need for the project and the median household income of the area to be served

Contact us for details and current interest rates applicable for your project

Are there additional requirements?

  • Borrowers must have the legal authority to construct, operate and maintain the proposed services or facilities.
  • All facilities receiving federal financing must be used for a public purpose.
  • Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and nonprofit entities that offer financial assistance are encouraged.
  • Projects must be financially sustainable.

How do we get started?

Visit RD Apply

  • Applications are accepted year round and may be filed electronically using RD Apply. The RD Apply Customer Help Guide is provided to help you get started and work through the application process
  • Applications are also accepted through your local RD office.
  • Program resources are available online (i.e., forms, guidance, certifications, etc.).

Who can answer questions?

  • Contact the local representative who serves your area
  • Participating nonprofits in your area may also offer assistance and training

What governs this program?

Why does USDA Rural Development do this?

This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities extend and improve water and waste treatment facilities that serve local households and businesses. Good practices can save tax dollars, improve the natural environment, and help manufacturers and businesses to locate or expand operations.

NOTE: Program details may change over time. Before you begin an application, please confirm you have the most current information by contacting a program specialist in your local RD office for assistance or consult the program instructions listed in the section above titled "What Governs this Program?"

NOTE: Please ensure that your state is selected 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.

Interest Rates

Current interest rates for 1st quarter FY 2025, effective October 1, 2024.  

Poverty: 2.375%
Intermediate: 3.125%
Market: 3.875%

National Architect Requirements:

There are no other architect requirements at the national level. If there are additional state-specific requirements they will be listed above.

National Engineering Requirements:

Key WEP Engineering Resource Page

 

Individual states will have particular requirements based on state and local regulations. Please contact the local RD office in the state where your project is located.

There are no other additional requirements at the national level. If there are additional state-specific requirements they will be listed above.

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) 295-5151 ext. 7241


Massachusetts

Hadley Area Office
Serving Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden Counties
195 Russel Street, B7
Hadley, MA 01035
Phone: (413) 585-1000 Ext. 4
Fax: 855-596-7672

Area Director: Lyndon Nichols
Lyndon.nichols@usda.gov
(P) 413-585-3244
(C) 857-321-2704

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: Lyndon Nichols
Lyndon.nichols@usda.gov
(P)508-829-4477 ext 7031
(C) 857-321-2704

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: Anne Correia
Anne.Correia@usda.gov
(P) 508-295-5151 ext. 7242 
(C) 857-321-2697

There are currently no events scheduled.