Water & Sewer Infrastructure Program

The Water & Sewer Infrastructure Program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is designed to provide financial assistance for water and sewer infrastructure projects across all counties in Kansas. The program has allocated a total of $1 million for the year 2024, with individual grants ranging from $650,000 for communities with populations under 5,000 to $800,000 for those with populations exceeding that threshold. Each community can receive up to $2,000 per beneficiary, and administrative costs associated with the grant are capped at $25,000. The primary purpose of this grant program is to support improvements to water and sewer infrastructure, which may include engineering costs and administrative expenses related to the projects. Eligible projects must demonstrate a clear need for infrastructure enhancement and must be ready for implementation. The program aims to ensure that communities can effectively manage their water and sewer systems, thereby improving public health and environmental conditions. To be eligible for this funding, applicants must be incorporated cities or counties in Kansas that do not receive an annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Notably, cities such as Kansas City, Lawrence, and Wichita, among others, are ineligible due to their entitlement status. Additionally, any city or county with an open CDBG project that requires a time extension or has exceeded its original contract end date will also be deemed ineligible. The application process requires communities to demonstrate their project’s need, readiness, and potential impact. Applicants must also show sustainability and the availability of matching funds, which are required at a rate of 25% of the total project cost, excluding administrative expenses. The evaluation criteria for grant applications include the examination of alternative solutions to address facility needs, current water and sewer rates, and the income levels of program participants, with at least 51% needing to meet low-to-moderate income requirements. The timeline for the grant application process includes a deadline for submission set for November 1, 2024. Interested parties should prepare their applications in advance to ensure they meet this deadline. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Ginny Eardley at the Kansas Department of Commerce via email or phone. In summary, the Water & Sewer Infrastructure Program offers significant funding opportunities for eligible Kansas communities to enhance their water and sewer systems. By adhering to the outlined eligibility criteria and application requirements, communities can secure the necessary resources to improve their infrastructure and better serve their residents.