U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Oklahoma State Director Kenneth Corn announced today that the department is asking rural Oklahoma water districts who experienced damage during recent storms to contact the State Office to see if they qualify for grant assistance.
USDA Rural Development has funding utilizing the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants, that can assist an eligible community recover from an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. This grant does not require a federal disaster declaration to have been made in order to use this program. Water districts are encouraged to contact RD-OK-CPWaterWaste@usda.gov or call 405-742-1070.
“President Biden has offered Gov. Stitt the full support of the federal government to support Oklahomans in need,” Corn said. “USDA Rural Development Oklahoma State Office is prepared to provide the maximum support of our agency to honor the President’s commitment to helping our friends and neighbors across Oklahoma deal with this incredible tragedy.”
Who may apply?
- Rurally located public bodies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Federally recognized tribes
- Applicants must show that a major decline in quantity or quality of water occurred within two years of the date of the application. Grants are also awarded when a significant decline in quality and quantity of water is imminent.
What is an eligible area?
- Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less — check eligible addresses
- Tribal lands in rural areas
- Colonias
How may the funds be used?
- Water transmission line grants up to $150,000 to construct waterline extensions, repair breaks or leaks in existing water distribution lines
- Water source grants up to $1,000,000 for the construction of new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, treatment plants, and/or other sources of water (water source up to and including the treatment plant)
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. Under the leadership of the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate-smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/ok.
