Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants

The USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service is seeking public comments on a new information collection related to program compliance and innovation within Rural Development loan and assistance programs. The information is crucial for monitoring, reporting to Congress, and addressing post-disbursement support and debt collection efforts. Comments must be submitted by September 11, 2023, via the Federal eRulemaking Portal.

The Federal Register Notice announces the acceptance of applications for funding under the Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants Program, administered by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) of the USDA, with at least $247,250,000 available for projects addressing water infrastructure impacted by federally declared disasters in 2022. Applications can be submitted continuously starting June 22, 2023, with a 60-day delay for action due to the Congressional Review Act, and must meet specified eligibility criteria including demonstrating need, compliance with regulations, and submitting required documentation. The program aims to enhance resilience and sustainability of water systems while ensuring equitable access, with a particular focus on supporting economically disadvantaged rural communities.

The USDA's Rural Business-Cooperative Service, Rural Housing Service, and Rural Utilities Service have announced a notice seeking approval for a new information collection, aligned with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection aims to support compliance with regulations related to planning and executing construction and development work. The agency invites public comments until September 11, 2023, regarding factors such as the necessity of the information, the accuracy of the burden estimate, and ways to enhance information clarity. Additionally, the Rural Utilities Service issued a correction to its earlier notice about the Calendar Year 2022 Disaster Water Grants Program, clarifying the states affected by qualifying disaster events in 2022. This program made $247.25 million in grants available for rural applicants to address water infrastructure damages caused by disasters recognized by Presidential declarations. Applications are accepted continuously until funds are depleted. Lastly, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights announced a public meeting of the Utah Advisory Committee to discuss potential study projects, scheduled for August 4, 2023, via Zoom. This meeting aims to facilitate public participation and comments on civil rights issues in conjunction with the Commission's goals. The overall emphasis across these documents reflects the agencies' focus on fostering community development and responding to disaster impacts while seeking public engagement and input.

The USDA's Rural Utilities Service announced a funding opportunity through the Calendar Year (CY) 2022 Disaster Water Grants Program for Fiscal Year (FY) 2023, allocating at least $247,250,000 to assist rural communities affected by water infrastructure damage from Presidentially Declared Disasters in CY 2022. The program aims to support restoration efforts, enhance infrastructure resilience, and address increasing climate change challenges. Eligible applicants include public bodies, non-profit organizations, and tribal entities serving areas with populations below 35,000. Applications will be accepted from June 22, 2023, until funds are depleted, following a 60-day delay due to the Congressional Review Act. Funding may cover costs related to infrastructure repair, capacity building, and sustainable facility upgrades. There are no cost-sharing requirements, but applicants must submit detailed proposals, including financial statements and project descriptions. The program prioritizes projects based on community population, income levels, and health needs. Awards will be determined through a competitive selection process, focusing on the most critical community needs and overall project sustainability. The USDA encourages interested parties to reach out for guidance and utilize their resources for application submission.