Technical Assistance Fund and Water Projects Fund Grants

The Kansas Water Office (KWO) administers two grant programs established under Sen. Sub. for HB 2302: the Technical Assistance Grant Fund and the Water Projects Grant Fund. These programs aim to address water quantity and quality needs through funding for technical assistance and infrastructure projects. The funds, supported by the State Water Plan Fund (SWPF), align with the objectives outlined in the Kansas Water Plan. Eligible entities, including municipalities and special water districts, can apply for grants to support planning, engineering, construction, and other water-related infrastructure activities. The Technical Assistance Grant Fund supports municipalities and water-related special districts with technical needs such as planning, engineering, and grant application processing for water infrastructure projects. Grants under this program are capped at $1,000,000, and no matching funds are required. Applicants must submit detailed project plans, budgets, maps, legal access affidavits, and assurance of necessary permits. Projects are evaluated based on population size, conservation or climate resiliency plans, public health impacts, and regionalization efforts. Priority is given to municipalities with fewer than 2,000 residents and those addressing emergent water-related issues. The Water Projects Grant Fund is designed to fund construction, repair, maintenance, and replacement of water infrastructure, as well as related costs and repayment of loans from the Public Water Supply Loan Fund or Kansas Pollution Control Fund. Grants may not exceed $8,000,000, and no matching funds are required. Application requirements include a detailed project description, feasibility studies (if available), professional cost estimates, budgets, and evidence of loan balances, where applicable. Criteria for evaluation prioritize smaller municipalities, projects with conservation or climate resiliency plans, regionalization efforts, and those addressing urgent water issues such as drought or water quality concerns. Applications for both grant programs must be submitted via the KWO's online portal by September 6, 2024. The multi-step process includes initial review, evaluation by KWO staff and consultants, and prioritization based on eligibility and criteria. Approved applications lead to the preparation of grant contracts, requiring documentation such as quarterly progress reports and final affidavits of expenditures. Grant payments are issued quarterly, contingent on compliance with reporting requirements. Grants may be canceled if unaccepted within 45 days or terminated due to nonperformance, fraud, funding unavailability, or significant deviations from the approved proposal. Reporting requirements are strict, with grantees required to document fund usage and project progress quarterly and upon completion. Evaluation emphasizes the equitable distribution of funds to smaller and underserved communities, with specific provisions for repaying loans for completed water projects. Smaller municipalities benefit from higher percentages of loan repayment, prioritizing equitable financial relief. For example, up to 90% of remaining loan balances may be covered for cities with fewer than 2,000 residents. Key deadlines include the September 6, 2024, application submission date, while project timelines depend on the complexity and scope of individual grants. Applicants should refer to the KWO's website for further details, guidance documents, and the application portal.