This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design, and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects.

Areas to be served must be rural and financially distressed:

• Rural areas with a population of 2,500 or less
• Have a median household income below the poverty line or less than 80 percent of the statewide non-metropolitan median household income based on latest Census data

• Year round
• $30,000 maximum grant
• No match required

• Municipal Government
• Tribal Communities
• Non-profit Organizations
• Rural areas must have populations of 2,500 or less

• Feasibility studies to support applications for funding water or waste disposal projects
• Preliminary design and engineering analysis
• Technical assistance for the development of an application for financial assistance

The predevelopment planning costs must be related to a proposed project that meets the following requirements:

• Construct, enlarge, extend, or improve rural water, sanitary sewage, solid waste disposal and storm wastewater disposal facilities
• Construct or relocate public buildings, roads, bridges, fences, or utilities, and to make other public improvements necessary for the successful operation or protection of facilities
• Relocate private buildings, roads, bridges, fences, or utilities, and other private improvements necessary for the successful operation or protection of facilities

Applications for this program are accepted year-round online at RD Apply or through your local RD office.

Program Resources are available online (forms, guidance, certifications, etc.).