EPA Announces New Approach for Small Systems Competitive Grant Awards

Last Friday, EPA announced that the next round of competition for the small system training and technical assistance grants will cover two years – FYs 17 and 18.  This means that a total of $25.4 million will be available and the performance period will cover two years rather than the more traditional 12 months.
As in years past, applications must address one of the following 4 National Priority Areas:

• Training and Technical Assistance for Small Public Water Systems to Achieve and Maintain Compliance with the SDWA;
• Training and Technical Assistance to Improve Financial and Managerial Capacity and Enable Small Public Water Systems to Provide Safe Drinking Water;
• Training and Technical Assistance for Small Publicly-Owned Wastewater Systems and Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater Systems to Help Improve Water Quality; or
• Training and Technical Assistance for Private Well Owners to Help Improve Water Quality.

The deadline for applying for the funds is December 4, 2017.  More information on this funding opportunity can be found here.  EPA expects to award the grants in winter/spring 2018.  Questions regarding the RFA (Request for Applications) must be submitted in writing via e-mail to smallsystemsRFA@epa.gov.  Questions must be received by the Agency Contacts by November 24, 2017, and written responses will be posted here on EPA’s website.