USDA Rural Development Grants and Loans for Water, Sewer, and Community Facilities

USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs (WEP)

Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs provides loans, grants and loan guarantees for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste and storm drainage facilities in rural areas and cities and towns of 10,000 or less. Public bodies, non-profit organizations and recognized Indian tribes may qualify for assistance. WEP also makes grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance and training to assist rural communities with their water, wastewater, and solid waste problems.  The maximum term on all loans is 40 years. Interest rates are set quarterly by Rural Development and depend on the median household income of the service area of the project. Availability of grant funds is limited.  Contact staff for additional information.

USDA Rural Development Community Facilities

Rural Development Community Facilities Programs are designed to develop essential community facilities for public use in rural areas. These facilities include: schools, libraries, childcare, hospitals, medical clinics, assisted living facilities, fire and rescue stations, police stations, community centers, public buildings and transportation. Through its Community Programs, the Department of Agriculture is striving to ensure that such facilities are readily available to all rural communities. Community Programs utilizes three flexible financial tools to achieve this goal: the Community Facilities Guaranteed Loan Program, the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, and the Community Facilities Grant Program. Contact staff for additional information.