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Water & Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants in Florida

open


What does this program do?

This program helps eligible low-income communities plan and develop applications for proposed USDA Rural Development water or waste disposal projects.

Who may apply?

What is an eligible area?

  • Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less. Check eligible addresses
  • Federally recognized tribal lands
  • Colonias  

NOTE: The area must have a median household income below the poverty line or less than 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan median household income.

How may the funds be used?

This program helps eligible low income communities plan and develop applications for proposed USDA Rural Development water or waste disposal projects.

What are the terms for grants?

  • Grants may not be used to pay for work already completed.
  • For projects eligible under several programs, the amount of the pre-development or SEARCH grant will be subtracted from the total grant eligibility as determined in underwriting for the water or waste disposal project.
  • These grants do not have to be paid back if the application for the USDA direct loan or loan/grant combination is not successful.
  • Grants are based on demonstrated need and subject to the availability of funds.
  • Partnerships with other federal, state and local entities are encouraged, and grants are awarded only when the applicant cannot afford to borrow the needed funds.

What are the grant terms?

  • Grants cannot be used to pay for work already completed.
  • The amount of the grant will be subtracted from the total grant eligibility if a USDA grant is awarded for part of the water or waste disposal project.
  • These grants do not have to be paid back if the application for the USDA direct loan or loan and grant combination is not successful.
  • Grants are based on demonstrated need and availability of funds.
  • Partnerships with other federal, state, and local organizations are encouraged, and grants are awarded only when the applicant cannot afford to borrow the needed funds.

Is there a maximum grant amount?

Maximum of $60,000 or 75 percent of the predevelopment planning costs.

Are matching funds required?

Yes, at least 25 percent of the project cost must come from the applicant or third-party sources. In-kind contributions do not count toward this minimum.

How do we get started?

  • Applications for this program are accepted year round through your local RD office.
  • Program resources - forms needed, guidance, certifications, are available.

Who can answer questions?

  • Help is always available through your local RD office.
  • Participating non-profit associations also offer assistance and training. You can work with your local Rural Development staff to learn about available help in your area.

What governs this program?

  • Code of Federal Regulations, 7 CFR 1780
  • Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act

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 valuable time in your application.

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.

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
Jeffrey Archer, Area Director
3070 Adora Teal Way, Suite C, Crestview, FL 32539
Work phone: 850-682-2416
Business cell: 850-333-2031
Fax: 855-473-8755
Counties served: Escambia, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa and Walton.

MARIANNA AREA OFFICE
Loria Phillips, Area Director
2741 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 5, Marianna, FL 32448
Work phone: 850-526-2610
Business cell: 850-317-6572
Fax: 855-474-6969
Counties served: Bay, Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Wakulla and Washington.

LAKE CITY AREA OFFICE
Bruni Robles, Area Director
971 W Duval St, Suite 190, Lake City, FL 32055
Work phone: 386-719-5590
Business cell: 386-365-9576
Fax: 855-474-6983
Counties served: Baker, Bradford, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Nassau, Suwannee, St. Johns, Taylor and Union.

OCALA AREA OFFICE
Stephanie Hodges, Area Director
2441 NE 3rd Street, Suite 204-1, Ocala, FL 34470
Work phone: 352-732-7534
Business cell: 352-843-0042
Fax: 855-474-6990
Counties served: Alachua, Citrus, Dixie, Flagler, Gilchrist, Lake, Levy, Marion, Putnam, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia.

CHAMPIONS GATE AREA OFFICE
Angela Smith, Area Director 
8390 Champions Gate Blvd, Suite 210, Champions Gate, FL 33896
Work phone: 863-420-4833
Fax: 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)
Ada Rivera, Area Director 
420 South State Road 7, Suite 166, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33414
Work phone: 561-792-2727
Fax: 855-475-4827

**N. Ft. Myers (Sub Office of Royal Palm Beach)
Ada Rivera, Area Director 
3434 Hancock Bridge Pkwy., Suite 209-A, N. Ft. Myers, FL 33903
Work phone: 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 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS AREA OFFICE
Kimme Bryce, Area Director
4401 Sion Farm, Ste. #2, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820
Work phone: 340-773-9146
Business cell: 340-201-4211
Fax: 855-475-6940
Locations served: St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas.

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