Solid Waste Management Grants

The objectives of the program are to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources and improve planning and management of solid waste sites.

Entities eligible for grants are nonprofit organizations, including: Private, nonprofit organizations that have been granted tax exempt status by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS); and public bodies including local governmental-based multijurisdictional organizations. Applicants must have the proven ability, background, experience, legal authority, and actual capacity to provide technical assistance and/or training on a regional basis to eligible beneficiaries.

The entities that receive assistance are: (1) municipalities, counties, districts, authorities, and other political subdivisions of a State; (2) organizations operated on a not-for-profit basis, such as associations, cooperatives, and private nonprofit corporations; (3) and, Indian tribes on Federal and State reservations and other federally recognized Indian tribes.

Evidence of legal capacity, economic feasibility, and ability to deliver technical assistance and/or training.

Funds may be used to: Evaluate current landfill conditions to determine threats to water resources in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to enhance operator skills in the maintenance and operation of active landfills in rural areas; provide technical assistance and/or training to help associations reduce the solid waste stream; and provide technical assistance and/or training for operators of landfills in rural areas which are closed or will be closed in the near future with the development/implementation of closure plans, future land use plans, safety and maintenance planning, and closure scheduling within permit requirements. Grant funds may not be used to: Recruit applications/applications for any loan and/or grant program including RUS Water and Waste Disposal Loan and/or Grant Program; duplication of current services, replacement or substitution of support previously provided such as those performed by an association's consultant in developing a project; fund political activities; pay for capital assets, the purchase of real estate or vehicles, improve and renovate office space, or repair and maintain privately-owned property; pay for construction or operation and maintenance costs of water and waste facilities; and pay costs incurred prior to the effective date of grants made under this subpart.

A time limitation is not specified, however, priority will be given to applicants whose time frame for completion of the grant project is 12 months or less.

Applications include the criteria specified within 7 CFR 1775.

Grant funds will be directed to those applicants who; (1) Have demonstrated ability to provide technical assistance on a regional basis to rural communities; (2) propose to assist small, low income communities; (3) propose to serve multi-State, regional or nationwide areas; (4) the extent to which the proposed project is cost effective; and (5) meet the objectives of RUS Water and Waste Disposal Program.

The Water and Environmental Programs staff in Washington, DC, will review and process the application. Following completion of application processing requirements and grant approval, funds are made available to the applicant on a reimbursement basis.

Dependent upon funding availability and the completeness of the application. From 60 to 120 days following the submission deadline.

An application determined ineligible may request a review of this decision with the National Appeals Division of USDA in accordance with USDA regulations at 7 CFR 11.