WEDNESDAY WORKSHOP: USDA Funding for Building Resilient Infrastructure
(Room 608)
11 Sep 19
8:30 AM
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10:45 AM
Tracks:
Water Resources: Water/Wastewater
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service, Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) finances water and wastewater infrastructure in rural America where many systems struggle to meet standards or are nearing the end of their useful life. Like all infrastructure, these facilities are vulnerable to natural disasters. WEP is developing policies to ensure that funded projects have built-in resilience to flood, high winds, fire, earthquake, and drought. This workshop will describe the numerous WEP funding programs that primarily fund water and sewer projects but can also fund solid waste and stormwater projects. The online tools for applying for funds and electronic report submittal will be demonstrated, encouraging eligible communities to apply for these capital improvement funding sources. We’ll feature examples from projects in various states where funding from federal, state, and local sources were combined to stretch budgets and help replace aging infrastructure. In a typical year, WEP provides about $1.5 billion in infrastructure funding to rural communities. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the important resources offered by USDA for small cities and rural communities infrastructure needs.