Capacity Development Grant Program

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is offering a Capacity Development Grant Program designed to enhance the technical, financial, or managerial capacity of water systems. This program aligns with the DHHS mission to safeguard public health by ensuring the provision of safe and reliable drinking water. The initiative addresses critical infrastructure needs and supports systems in achieving and maintaining compliance with drinking water regulations, thereby promoting the overall well-being of communities across Maine. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are all Community and non-profit Non-Community public water systems within Maine, including water utilities, mobile home parks, apartment buildings, nursing homes, and schools. The program specifically targets those systems demonstrating a need for improved capacity. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen the infrastructure and operational capabilities of these water systems, leading to improved water quality, enhanced system resilience, and better service delivery to residents. This directly contributes to public health and safety by preventing future issues and addressing current deficiencies. The grant program prioritizes the creation of professionally prepared documents that can demonstrably enhance system capacity. Examples of eligible documents include Comprehensive System Facilities Plans, Capital Improvement Plans, System Hydraulic Modeling Studies, Risk and Resilience Assessments, Emergency Response Plans, Cybersecurity Evaluations, Asset Management Plans, and Water Audit Reports. Special consideration is also given to the "drinking water" portion of Comprehensive Community Planning Studies and Energy Audit Reports. Water systems out of compliance with Drinking Water Rules & Regulations are also eligible, provided the funds will be used to bring them back into compliance, highlighting a focus on critical needs. The expected outcomes include the development of robust plans and documents that will serve as foundational tools for water systems to improve their operations and long-term sustainability. Measurable results will include the completion of these eligible documents, which will then guide subsequent improvements in technical, financial, and managerial capacities. The grant, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to a maximum of $30,000 (covering 75% of document costs), aims to incentivize these critical planning and assessment activities. Ultimately, the program's strategic priority is to proactively address potential vulnerabilities and enhance the overall health and safety of drinking water supplies throughout the state, reflecting a theory of change that investment in planning and capacity building leads to more resilient and compliant water systems.