Financial Assistance Programs - Grants and Loans

Small Community Wastewater Strategy

The Small Community Wastewater Strategy (Strategy) is referenced in State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) Resolution No. 2008-0048, which promotes strategies to assist small and/or disadvantaged communities with wastewater needs. This site provides information regarding the State Water Board’s ongoing efforts to support these communities.

• Annual Updates
• Announcements
• Free Wastewater Training Materials
• Related Funding Programs
• Receive Program Updates
• Contacts/Questions or Comments

Annual Updates

Staff provides periodic updates to the State Water Board on efforts to assist small and/or disadvantaged communities with their wastewater needs. Information regarding technical and financial assistance provided to small and/or disadvantaged communities is incorporated into the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Annual Report. In addition, during the first five years following adoption of Resolution No. 2008-0048, staff provided annual informational updates to the State Water Board. The information discussed during those updates can be accessed below:

• Fifth Annual Update, October 22, 2013, State Water Board meeting: Informational Agenda Item No. 4.
• Fourth Annual Update, December 4, 2012, State Water Board meeting: Informational Agenda Item No. 9.
• Third Annual Update, December 5, 2011, State Water Board meeting: Informational Agenda Item No. 7.
• Second Annual Update, August 3, 2010, State Water Board meeting: Informational Agenda Item No. 10.
• First Annual Update, July 7, 2009, State Water Board meeting: Informational Agenda Item No. 11.

Announcements

On March 21, 2014, the State Water Board executed a contract with the Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) to provide up to $500,000 in wastewater-related technical assistance to small disadvantaged communities (SDACs) statewide.The Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) defines an SDAC as a public body with a population of 20,000 persons or less, and an annual median household income (MHI) of 80 percent or less of the statewide MHI. The types of technical assistance that will be offered include:

1. Preparation of financial assistance applications;
2. Compliance audits and troubleshooting to address permit violations or improve operations;
3. Review of proposed project alternatives to assist in identifying low-cost, sustainable approaches;
4. Assistance with planning and budgets, including capital improvement planning; and
5. Assistance with community outreach, awareness, and education, especially with regard to rate setting and Proposition 218 compliance. 

The technical assistance provided under this contract is intended to be targeted and specific, with each SDAC allotted a maximum of 30 hours of technical assistance. DFA staff may approve additional time on a case-by-case basis. If interested in receiving assistance under this contract, please contact:
Kim Dinh, at 916-341-5729 or Kim.Dinh@waterboards.ca.gov

January 2013: List of Potentially Eligible SDAC Wastewater Projects.
Based on feedback from the Regional Water Quality Control Boards, Environmental Justice and Small Community Assistance Groups, and individual local agency inquiries, DFA has compiled a list of potentially eligible SDAC wastewater projects. This list is used to help quantify statewide funding needs, and it will continue to be updated based on any new information provided to DFA staff. Please contact DFA if you are aware of SDAC wastewater projects that should be added to this list.

Related Funding Programs

The State Water Board’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program, which is funded by federal grants, State funds, and revenue bonds, provides low-interest financing for construction of publicly-owned wastewater treatment facilities, local sewers, sewer interceptors, and water recycling facilities, as well as, expanded use projects. Small Disadvantaged Communities may be eligible to receive grants for wastewater projects.

The State Water Board’s Small Community Wastewater Grant (SCWG) Program is no longer soliciting projects. The SCWG Program provided assistance for the construction of publicly-owned wastewater treatment and collection facilities to communities meeting specific population restrictions and income requirements.

If you would like more information regarding funding opportunities for small community drinking water projects, please refer to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Website.

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