The bill would create a grant program to help nonprofit organizations support rural water and wastewater systems before and after natural or manmade disasters. Eligible nonprofits must have nationwide disaster-assistance experience and qualified staff. Grant-funded work could include emergency repairs, disaster plans, system mapping, damage assessments, and help with recovery claims. Some activities would focus on disadvantaged communities.
Rural water and wastewater systems could receive technical help through grant-funded nonprofits. Support could include preparing for disasters, restoring service, and addressing system problems that affect health or operations. The bill does not provide grants directly to water-system operators.
The bill authorizes $20 million for each fiscal year from 2025 through 2029. Grant funds could pay for salaries, supplies, and related expenses. No more than 25 percent of a grant could pay for or reimburse emergency equipment costs. Grant funds could not pay for activities already funded by another federal source.
No publicly available information.
No publicly available information.