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# Technical Assistance and Construction for Innovative Regional Wastewater Treatment Solutions (TAC-RWTS) Grant Pilot Program 

Federal Register Notice

##             Overview          

**What does this program do?**

Grants may be made to eligible entities for the study, design, or construction of regional wastewater systems for historically impoverished communities that have had difficulty installing traditional wastewater treatment systems due to soil conditions.

**Who may apply?**

Consortia of regional institutions of higher education, academic health and research institute, or economic development entities located in the service area that have experience in addressing these issues in the region. The consortium must include a regional university, or the proposed scope of work must include coordinating with a regional university, to solve untreated raw sewage issues with innovative technologies and strategic management and regulatory models. 

**What is an eligible area?**

The area to be served must be: **historically impoverished** (meeting persistent poverty guidelines, which according to Section 740 of the General Provisions of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, Public Law 116-94, dated December 20, 2019, is any county that has had 20 percent or more of its population living in poverty over the past 30 years, as measured by the 1990 and 2000 decennial censuses, and 2007-2011 American Community Survey 5-year average.);  **and rural**. Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less – check eligible addresses; Tribal lands in rural areas.

**How may the funds be used?**

To identify and evaluate economically feasible innovative regional solutions to wastewater treatment concerns for historically impoverished rural communities in areas which have had difficulty installing traditional wastewater treatment systems due to soil conditions; To provide wastewater related technical assistance, including such services as developing needs assessments, testing wastewater options, preliminary design assistance, developing regulatory guidance, and submitting applications for financial assistance. Additionally, the grant funds may be used to construct the identified solutions, including eligible associated costs.

**Are there terms for grants?**

The project period for these grants is not in excess of one calendar year for technical assistance based projects and four calendar years for construction based projects from the start of the period of performance.  This includes the completion of application documents, environmental reviews, construction, transfer of facility, and any other associated actions.  Any project containing construction will be considered to be construction-based. This is a reimbursement grant. Grants are subject to the availability of funds.

**How do we get started?**

Download the Application Guide for Technical Assistance and Construction for Innovative Regional Wastewater Treatment Solutions Grant Pilot Program; Program resources are available online (forms, guidance, certifications, etc.) 

**Who can answer questions?**

Grant Manager, Water-RD@usda.gov

**What governs this program?**

The program is authorized pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 301; 7 U.S.C. 1989; 16 U.S.C. 1005; Division B, Title VII General Provisions, Section 783 of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 116-94); and Division BA, Title VII General Provisions, Section 771 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (Public Law 116-260).  The program is implemented through 7 CFR part 1775, Technical Assistance Grants, and the provisions of this NOFO. Other Federal statutes and regulations are listed at 7 CFR 1775.8, Other Federal statutes

**Why does Rural Development do this?**

This program helps small communities extend and improve waste treatment facilities for households and businesses. Good practices can save tax dollars, improve the natural environment and may be necessary for manufacturers and other types of businesses to locate or expand operations. 

NOTE: Program details may change over time. Before you begin an application, please confirm you have the most current information by contacting the program specialist listed in the section above titled “Who can answer questions?” or consult the Program Instructions listed in the section above titled “What governs this program?”

##             To Apply          

**Resources**
                                  - Application Guide for Technical Assistance and Training for Innovative Regional Wastewater Treatment Solutions Grant Pilot Program

**Previous Year Award Summaries**
                                  - 2021 Round 1  

##             Other Requirements          

There are no other additional requirements at the national level.

##             Contact          

Grant Manager, Water-RD@usda.gov

##             Events          

There are currently no events scheduled.