We are committed to helping improve the economy and quality of life in rural America.
This grant program is designed to help eligible communities prepare for or recover from emergencies that compromise the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. It is not required that these emergencies be federally declared disasters in order to qualify. Qualifying events include natural disasters like droughts, floods, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, disease outbreaks, chemical spills, leaks, seepage, or other such disasters. The grant offers financial support for projects such as water transmission line construction or repairs, constructing new water sources like wells or reservoirs, and other water infrastructure improvements up to specific funding limits ($150,000 for transmission lines and up to $1,000,000 for water sources). The ultimate goal is to prevent damage or restore access to clean, reliable drinking water in affected rural areas and towns, thus supporting not only the health and safety of the communities involved but also economic development by encouraging businesses to set up or expand operations in these locations. Applications are accepted year-round, online or through local RD offices.
Collaboration with various agencies, including federal, state, and local governments, as well as private and nonprofit organizations, is highly recommended.