The CWSRF program offers low-interest loans to support water quality infrastructure projects. There are 11 categories of eligible projects, including the construction, repair, and replacement of publicly owned treatment works that enhance energy efficiency, water conservation, recycling, and stormwater management. Forty-nine percent of general supplemental funding must go towards disadvantaged communities to address affordability challenges. Download the grant summary here.
Bootcamp Structure
Courses
Peer Learning Sessions (Webinars): Interactive sessions featuring Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on the policy and grant approach, followed by smaller sessions for peer discussions
Coaching Sessions: Smaller sessions that continue to build on specific application questions identified in the peer learning session
Office Hours (Consultant Meetings): Support in the form of designated time slots with our SMEs and your team to address specific questions about your grant application
Support
Navigator Team: Our Navigator team is available to help answer the following kinds of questions:
- Bootcamp timelines
- Bootcamp schedules
- Participation expectations
Our Navigator for this grant is Clayton Harris III. He can be reached at [email protected].
Prepare for Success
Download the full outline of the bootcamp schedule, goals, and key steps to ensure you are ready to attend the following courses and successfully prepare and submit your grant application.
Modules and Resources
Module 1
Setting the Table
Cities are introduced to the CWSRF program and applicant eligibility criteria.
CWSRF Programs and Resources
Module 2
Federal and State Administration Priorities
Cities begin to align their project with the CWSRF program and process, including the BILL-specific CWSRF provisions (LSLR, EC, Forgivable Loans) and the Green Project Reserve, by understanding how to identify state-specific CWSRF program requirements (e.g., eligibility survey, Intended Use Plans and Project Priority Lists, priority ranking, loan rates and terms, disadvantaged/affordability criteria).
Module 3
Engaging the Community
Cities explore community engagement strategies to ensure that community voices are embedded into project design and implementation.
Module 4
Project Planning and Application Preparation: Part 1
Cities will understand the process of applying to and participating in the CWSRF, including the stages of environmental review, financial review, technical review, procurement and contracting, construction, disbursement, and repayment. The module will orient cohort members to the SRF’s application components and processes. This module will be based on example application components from 2-3 states.
Module 5
Incorporating Data
Cities learn how to leverage data throughout their applications and are introduced to resources that can support water system data collection and analysis.
Additional Resources
Module 6
Project Planning and Application Preparation: Part 2
Cities will better understand the process of applying to and participating in the CWSRF, including the stages of environmental review, financial review, technical review, procurement and contracting, construction, disbursement, and repayment. This will use the foundation from the previous module to deepen cohort members’ understanding and support them in assessing their specific readiness to proceed to gauge their current status in their state’s application process.
Module 7
Demystifying CWSRF Financing Structures & Financial Assessments
This module will include an in-depth discussion of the percent of project funding available (i.e., identifying need for matching funds), loan interest rates, potential additional subsidization (e.g., principal forgiveness, reduced interest rates, extended repayment terms) and financing structures for projects; and repayment requirements and allowable sources. This module will be based on example application components from 2-3 states and support the cohort’s identification of specific financial records, enterprise fund budgets and audits, and detailed planning and engineering information required to receive CWSRF funding in their state.
Module 8
Long Term Capacity Building
Cities develop their next steps in applying for a CWSRF loan.
