Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Assistance Program: Helping Systems and Tribes Access BIL Funding in Region 6

The Oklahoma Rural Infrastructure Grant (RIG) program, facilitated by the Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SW EFC), is part of the broader Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Assistance Program. This program is designed to assist systems and tribal entities in EPA Region 6 in accessing funding opportunities available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and State Revolving Funds (SRFs). The SW EFC operates in partnership with several technical assistance providers to help communities develop sustainable infrastructure projects that meet local needs and regulatory requirements. The primary purpose of the RIG program is to support rural and small municipal water and wastewater systems in Oklahoma in enhancing their infrastructure and ensuring long-term sustainability. Each approved project may receive up to $100,000 in funding, covering up to 80 percent of the total project cost. The remaining 20 percent must be provided by the applicant system through financial or in-kind contributions. This funding opportunity specifically targets publicly owned systems serving populations of 3,300 or fewer. Applicants receive free technical assistance from the program, including help with developing and submitting proposals, completing SRF applications, and navigating the BIL funding process. The initiative emphasizes equitable access to health and environmental protection resources and supports projects that are not only “shovel-ready” but “shovel-worthy”—meaning they align with community values, are financially viable, and provide sustainable solutions. Eligibility for the RIG program is limited to publicly owned Oklahoma water and wastewater systems that serve small communities. The assistance program is designed to benefit various stakeholders, including states, tribes, local governments, and water systems. It is regionally focused on EPA Region 6, which includes New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, along with 66 tribal nations. Applications for the RIG program are currently open. While there is no explicit mention of a rolling deadline, the program is ongoing and features recurring calls for applications. All interested systems can apply directly through the provided application portal. Questions and support are available through regional representatives, with specific contacts assigned by state. General inquiries may be directed to the SW EFC via phone at (505) 277-0644 or email at swefc@unm.edu. For Oklahoma-specific queries, Hayley Hajic is the main point of contact at hhajic@unm.edu. The program also provides resources such as factsheets, state-specific funding information, and a quarterly e-newsletter. These materials support applicants in understanding the funding landscape, navigating requirements, and preparing competitive applications. By bridging technical support and funding access, the SW EFC seeks to enhance infrastructure resilience and public health outcomes across Region 6 communities.