Water & Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees in Florida

What does this program do?

This program helps private lenders provide affordable financing to improve access to clean, reliable water and waste disposal systems in rural areas. Affordable terms and good practices can save tax dollars and may be necessary for businesses to locate or expand operations. 

Who may apply for this program?

Eligible applicants include lenders with the legal authority, financial strength, and experience to operate a successful lending program. Examples of eligible lenders include:

• Federal and state-chartered banks
• Savings and loan institutions
• Farm Credit banks with direct lending authority
• Credit unions
• Additional nonregulated lending institutions approved by USDA

Who can qualify for these loan guarantees?

Eligible borrowers are:

• State and local governments
• Non-profit organizations
• Federally recognized Tribes

What areas are eligible ?

• Cities, villages, towns, townships, and federally recognized Tribal lands with fewer than 50,000 residents
• You can check eligible areas at this link: tinyurl.com/WEPRuraleligibility

What facilities are eligible? 

• Drinking water
• Sanitary sewer
• Solid waste disposal
• Stormwater disposal

How can funds be used?

Funds can be used for construction projects and can cover costs such as engineering fees and land, legal, and environmental analysis costs. 

Funds can also be used for nonconstruction projects, like: 

• Equipment to operate, maintain, or protect facilities
• Professional service fees for engineering and environmental services
• Debt refinancing

For a comprehensive list of eligible uses, see Code of Federal Regulations 7CFR Part 5001, available at this link: tinyurl.com/RD-7CFR-5001.

How do we get started?

• Interested borrowers can ask their lender about the USDA Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantee program. Information is available at this link: tinyurl.com/WEPWWDLG.
• Interested lenders can contact the USDA Rural Development Community Programs director in the state where the proposed project is located. A list of state offices is available at this link:  tinyurl.com/RDStateOffices. 

Who can answer questions?

• Your local USDA Rural Development office can help. A list of offices is available at this link:  tinyurl.com/RDStateOffices.
• You will find information about USDA Rural Development’s OneRD Loan Guarantee initiative at this link: tinyurl.com/USDA-1RD-LG.

What governs this program?

Code of Federal Regulations, 7 CFR 5001, available at this link:  tinyurl.com/RD-7CFR-5001.

NOTE: Because information changes, always consult official program instructions or contact your local USDA Rural Development office for help. A list is available at this link: tinyurl.com/RDStateOffices. You will find additional RD program resources at rd.usda.gov. Information about other USDA programs and services is available at this link: ask.usda.gov. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.