Federal Grant Award Summary

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 awarded the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR) a capitalization grant totaling $51.5 million under the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program (CFDA 66.458) effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2029. Through this award, WDNR establishes and maintains a revolving loan fund that provides low-interest financing to municipalities, utilities, and other sub-recipients for water quality improvement and protection projects. The fund finances planning, design, and construction of eligible activities including wastewater treatment facilities, stormwater management systems, and projects addressing emerging water quality contaminants.

The CWSRF operates as a self-sustaining financing mechanism whereby loan repayments from sub-recipients enable continued funding availability for future water infrastructure projects across Wisconsin. Anticipated deliverables include comprehensive project financing for water quality infrastructure improvements, with expected outcomes focused on improving and protecting water quality and public health for citizens throughout the state. WDNR is exempt from standard sub-recipient management requirements under 2 CFR 200.332, as provided in 2 CFR 1500, and must comply with annual reporting, auditing, and record retention requirements established by the EPA.