Page 26 - Demo

26 | Page November 8 I ssueFederal Funding OpportunitiesEPA Issues Lead Pipe Rule and FundingThe Biden-Harris administration issued a final rule requiring drinking water systems across the country to identify and replace lead pipes within 10 years. The Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) also require more rigorous testing of drinking water and a lower threshold for communities to take action on lead in drinking water to protect people from lead exposure. In addition, the final rule improves communication within communities so that families are better informed about the risk of lead in drinking water, the location of lead pipes, and plans for replacing them. EPA is making available $27,768,000 in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding for Kansas through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will flow through the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (DWSRFs) and is available to support lead pipe replacement and inventory projects. Additionally, 49% of the funding must be provided to disadvantaged communities as grant funding or principal forgiveness that does not have to be repaid. EPA is also announcing the availability of $35 million in competitive grant funding for reducing lead in drinking water. Communities are invited to apply directly for grant funding through this program. Additional federal funding is available to support lead pipe replacement projects and EPA has developed a website identifying available funding sources.EPA Offers Community Lagoons ResourcesThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released resource tools to help protect public health and local water bodies in communities that rely on lagoons for wastewater management. EPA%u2019s new tools are intended to help local decisionmakers effectively and efficiently protect public health and the environment, address compliance challenges, and improve asset-management planning. Click HERE for the new resources. USDA Offers Water and Wastewater Technical Assistance GrantsU.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development recently announced that USDA is accepting applications for programs to improve water and waste disposal infrastructure. USDA is now accepting applications through the Solid Waste Management Grants program and the Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants program. USDA Opens Applications for REAP FundingUSDA Rural Development is now accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program. This program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. REAP loans approved in Fiscal Year 2025 will receive an 80 percent guarantee. To apply for this REAP funding, please visit the Rural Energy for America Program page at Rural Development's website. You can also find eligibility requirements, loan terms, and other frequently asked questions.