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# Water & Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants

**Fact Sheet

##             Overview          

**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?**
                                  - Most state and local  	governments
                                  - Nonprofit organizations
                                  - Federally-recognized Tribes

**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

##             To Apply          

**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.

##             Other 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.

##             Contact          

Please select your state in the dropdown menu above to find your local contact for this program.

##             Events          

There are currently no events scheduled.