HHS Announces April Meetings on New Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program
The Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Community Services (OCS) has announced two virtual meetings in April to discuss the new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The LIHWAP was established by Congress in December 2020 as part of the COVID relief package (see Sec. 533 excerpt) and provided more funding in the March 2021 American Rescue Plan Act for a total of $1.138 billion in state and tribal grants. These grants will provide funds for owners or operators of public water systems or treatment works to reduce arrearages and rates charged to low-income households. LIHWAP grants are only available to states, territories and tribes that received FY 2021 Low Income Household Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) awards. Please also see the February 22 State Action Transmittal that asks each Governor to designate a person who will provide assurances and state certifications for the program, which may be within the state Department of Community, Health, Human, and/or Social Services where the state LIHEAP program resides.
OCS is hosting two April virtual information and feedback sessions on LIHWAP, one for states and territories, and one specifically for tribes.
- Tuesday, April 20, 2021, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm (eastern time): All state, territory, and tribal LIHWAP grantees, federal partners, and other critical stakeholders are encouraged to attend this meeting that will include an interactive presentation, opportunities to submit questions during the session, and a survey afterward to all participating organizations. Register here.
- Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm (eastern time): This meeting is intended for tribal LIHEAP grantees only and will include the same elements of the first session as well as a discussion to better understand and design the program to serve tribal needs. Register here.
For more information, visit the LIHWAP website and view the letter about the virtual meetings.
