The U.S. Department of Agricultura (USDA) announced it is accepting applications for the Water and Waste Disposal Technical Assistance and Training Grants Program. This program is designed to help improve water and waste treatment infrastructure in rural areas and impact households as well as business in small communities.
The USDA is specifically looking for “Nonprofits that have the proven ability, background, experience and capacity to provide technical assistance or training on a national, regional or state basis.” While special consideration will be given to project areas with less than 5,500 and 2,500 residents, all project areas with a 10,000 residents or less are eligible for the program.
According to the USDA the funds may be used to:
- “Identify and evaluate solutions to water problems related to source, storage, treatment, distribution, collection, treatment and disposal.”
- “Provide technical assistance and training to improve management, operations and maintenance of water and waste disposal systems.”
- “Prepare water and waste disposal loan and grant applications.”
The USDA has already invested $270 million across 37 States and Puerto Rico, including 7 different projects in the island. Specifically, $110,000 in Corozal, $31,000 in Aibonito, $37,000 in Comerio and $94,000 across 4 different projects in Caguas. So far projects based in Puerto Rico have received $272,000 in funding. The USDA will be receiving applications until December 31, 2021 , 11:59pm (EST).
