Grant Application Cycle for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Improvements for MT Communities Now Open

Nearly $400 million of available federal funding

The Montana Departments of Commerce and Natural Resources and Conservation announced today that Montana communities can now apply for federal water and sewer infrastructure improvement grants through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“The funding from ARPA will address economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by assisting state and local governments in making a once-in-a-generation investment to improve water and wastewater infrastructure systems in Montana,” Commerce Director Scott Osterman said.

In March, the federal government passed the $1.9 trillion ARPA funding package. From that allocation of funding, the State of Montana has made available nearly $400 million to make improvements to drinking water and wastewater infrastructure systems across the state. Montana communities can access the funding to use for necessary improvements to their water, sewer and irrigation systems through the Minimum-Allocation or Competitive grant programs. The two programs will be administered by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) with technical assistance provided by the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

“The DNRC is excited to be involved with this important opportunity to support Montana communities in accessing ARPA funds for water and sewer projects,” said Amanda Kaster, Montana Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation Director. “We stand ready across our agencies to help them every step of the way.”

Eligibility for Minimum-Allocation grants include every Montana town, city and county for up to the amount of its 2020 gas tax allocation on a non-competitive basis. Applications will be accepted online beginning July 15, 2021 until June 30, 2023.

Eligibility for Competitive grants include Montana towns, cities, counties, water and sewer districts, irrigation districts and school districts which of those can apply for grant amounts up to $25 million per project. Applications are due by July 15, 2021.

Applications for both programs are available and accepted electronically. For an educational webinar about the programs, information about project and applicant eligibility, grant matches, frequently asked questions, funding qualifications, application assistance and to apply visit ARPA.MT.GOV.