Capital Improvement Grant Program

Capital Improvement Grant Program is sponsored by Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP). Provides grants to public water providers in Nevada for capital improvements to drinking water systems, including projects that enhance water quality and infrastructure.

The State of Nevada offers a grant program to help small communities pay for important drinking water infrastructure. This program was created by state law to support capital projects that are needed to meet requirements set by the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, the Bureau of Safe Drinking Water, and the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

This program is designed to close the gap between what a project costs and what a community can afford. Communities are expected to contribute as much as they reasonably can before requesting state assistance. For larger projects, the community must finance as much of the work as possible at the local level, with the grant helping to cover the remaining need.

Who is Eligible Grants are available to public water providers in Nevada.

These include cities, counties, unincorporated towns, water authorities, conservation districts, irrigation districts, water districts, and water conservancy districts that meet both of the following conditions: The water system existed before 1995 The system is publicly owned or privately owned as a nonprofit Grants can be used for capital improvements to publicly owned community water systems and publicly owned non transient water systems.

Grants may also be given for projects that help conserve water. When deciding which applicants receive funding, the Board for Financing Water Projects gives priority to water systems that serve fewer than 6,000 people. What Projects Are Eligible The grant program helps fund projects that improve drinking water systems and meet state and federal drinking water standards.

Examples of eligible projects include: Building or upgrading water treatment facilities, intake structures, pumping plants, and transmission lines Replacing leaking water lines Replacing small pipelines to maintain water pressure during peak use Connecting dead end water lines to improve system circulation Rehabilitating springs to meet treatment rules Adding or replacing wells and pumps to improve water quality or provide backup supplies Repairing or replacing storage tanks to fix leaks or structural issues Improving irrigation efficiency by lining canals, recovering or reusing water, or improving storage Priority is given to projects that solve health and safety problems or address compliance issues.

What Non-Construction Expenses Are Eligible Some planning and administrative costs may also be covered by a grant when they are part of an eligible capital project.

These may include: Preparing the Letter of Intent or grant application Creating Preliminary Engineering Reports Engineering design and construction management Buying land needed for the project Legal and administrative fees To qualify for funding, these costs must be tied to an approved grant for a specific eligible project or project phase.

What Types of Projects Are Not Eligible Some activities cannot be funded through this grant program. These include: Installing new pipelines to serve future customers not currently connected to the system Expanding water supply or transmission capacity to support future growth How to Apply Below is a simple overview of the steps in the grant application process for drinking water system projects. Steps in the application process 1.

Submit a pre application. This step gets your project on the Drinking Water Priority List. 2.

Submit the full grant application. Applications for the Capital Improvements Grant Program are submitted through the Nevada Infrastructure Financing System (NIFS). 3.

Board reviews the Letter of Intent. The Board for Financing Water Projects reviews and decides whether to approve the Letter of Intent. 4.

Update the application. If the Letter of Intent is approved, the applicant updates the full grant application with any new or required information. 5.

Board reviews the grant application. The board considers the completed grant application for approval. 6.

A grant contract is signed. If approved, the Director of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the applicant sign a contract that outlines the grant amount and all requirements. Additional Guidance and Support Federal and state agencies work together to help applicants find the best mix of loans and grants for their projects.

The Letter of Intent describes the water system and all projects needed for Safe Drinking Water Act compliance. Some projects may need to be completed in phases over multiple years. The Bureau of Safe Drinking Water or the Division of Water Resources reviews both the Letter of Intent and the grant application.

The Office of Financial Assistance can help applicants during every step of the process. Applicants should review all relevant statutes, regulations, and board policies before submitting any materials.

Grant Resources Download Guidance on Preliminary Engineering Reports Download Capital Reserve Accounts Download Selecting an Engineer Download Instructions for Completion of Request for Proposal for Engineering Services Board for Financing Water Projects Grants Program Legislative History State Revolving Loan Fund Water System Capacity Development ARPA Infrastructure Financing Check Air Quality in My Area Find Information on Drinking Water Relocate or Expand My Business to Nevada Engage With Our Past as we Plan for Our Future In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Nevada is celebrating the successful effort to conduct lead testing programs in public schools, public charter schools, and licensed child care facilities across the state.

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