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 Predevelopment Planning Grants in Oregon

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

Additional resources and funding options for Oregon water and wastewater infrastructure projects are provided in the Rural Community Assistance Corporation's 2016 Oregon Water & Wastewater Funding and Resource Guide* (PDF, 314 KB). 

*This document was developed by a local nonprofit and is being shared by USDA as a public service to our customers. Please note that the guide may not capture all resources and funding opportunities that may be available or relevant to water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and the inclusion of an organization or program does not constitute endorsement or recommendation by USDA over similar options not named.

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. 

State Environmental Requirements:

Guidelines for Wastewater Facilities Plans & Environmental Reviews - Multiple Funders (PDF, 4.28 MB)

For further information, please contact the Charlotte Bentley at (503) 414-3362 or charlotte.bentley@usda.gov.

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

LOCAL CONTACTS:

Portland Office (Serving Northwest Oregon: Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Hood River, Multnomah, Tillamook, and Washington counties):
Ella Nichols, Community Programs Specialist
(503) 414-3354, ella.nichols@usda.gov

Tangent Office (Serving West Central Oregon: Benton, Lane, Linn, Lincoln, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill counties):
Holly Halligan, Community Programs Specialist
(541) 801-2682, holly.halligan@usda.gov

Roseburg Office (Serving Southwest Oregon: Coos, Curry, Douglas, Jackson, and Josephine counties):
Deanna Quimby, Community Programs Specialist
(541) 378-3547, deanna.quimby@usda.gov

Redmond Office (Serving Central Oregon: Crook, Deschutes, Jefferson, Harney, Klamath, and Lake counties):
Kimberley Young, Community Programs Specialist
(541) 699-3200, kimberley.young@usda.gov 

La Grande Office (Serving Eastern Oregon: Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Malheur, Morrow, Sherman, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, and Wheeler counties):
LaDonn McElligott, Community Programs Director
(541) 624-3087, ladonn.mcelligott@usda.gov

View the service area maps for Community Programs in Oregon.

STATEWIDE CONTACTS

Main Phone: (866) 923-5626 ext. 3
Relay Service: Dial 711 for a free relay service operated by the FCC
Fax: (855) 824-6181

USDA Rural Development
Attn: Community Programs
1220 SW 3rd Avenue, Suite 1801
Portland, OR 97204

LaDonn McElligott, Community Programs Director
(541) 624-3087, ladonn.mcelligott@usda.gov

Ella Nichols, Community Programs Specialist
(503) 414-3354, ella.nichols@usda.gov

Tangent Office:

Holly Halligan, Community Programs Specialist
(541) 801-2682, holly.halligan@usda.gov

 

Roseburg Office:

Jennifer Bacigalupo, Community Programs Specialist
(541) 378-3532, jennifer.bacigalupo@usda.gov

Technical Contacts:

Brian Daily, State Engineer / State Environmental Coordinator
(541) 801-2689, brian.daily@usda.gov

Emily Jennings, Engineer Intern
(503) 414-3337, emily.jennings@usda.gov

Norm Schoen, State Architect
(503) 414-3364, norm.schoen@usda.gov

 

There are currently no events scheduled.