Municipal Resources

Municipal Resources

Welcome to the Office of the Municipal Ombudsman's Municipal Resources guide! Subscribe here to receive a weekly e-list of federal water resources with a municipal focus. (Check out a sample here)

On this page:

General Resources

Federal Funding

  • USDA's Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program. Grants are made to eligible nonprofit organizations to establish and maintain a revolving fund to provide loans and sub-grants to eligible individuals for individually owned water well systems and/or individually owned wastewater systems. Apply by December 01, 2025
  • ARC's Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) Funding is Appalachian Regional Commission’s multi-state initiative that aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through collaborative projects. ARISE encourages initiatives that go beyond state borders and help the 13 Appalachian states advance ARC’s strategic investment priorities as one, united Appalachia. The multi-state projects supported by this initiative are strengthening Appalachian business and industry, and growing and supporting the development of new opportunities across multiple economic sectors. Pre-applications are due Friday, December 5, 2025. If invited, Applications Due May 15, 2026
  • DOE's Restoring Reliability: Coal Recommissioning and Modernization. Apply by December 08, 2025
  • EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia. This opportunity seeks to fund projects focused on improving solid waste management and recycling infrastructure. The grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia will provide approximately $20 million in awards ranging from $100,000 to $1.5 million per award. For full details, please visit EPA’s Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grants for Tribes and Intertribal Consortia webpage. Apply by December 12, 2025. 
  • USDA's Rural Utilities Service Technical Assistance and Training Grant Program. Qualified private non-profit organizations will receive grant funds to identify and evaluate solutions to water and waste disposal problems in rural areas, assist applicants in preparing applications for water and waste grants made at the State level offices, and improve operation and maintenance of existing water and waste disposal facilities in rural areas. Apply by December 31, 2025
  • USDA's Rural Utilities Service Solid Waste Management Grant Program. Qualified organizations will receive SWM grant funds to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources in rural areas, and improve planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas. Apply by December 31, 2025
  • DOI/USFWS' National Fish Passage Program FY25. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Provides technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers and restore aquatic connectivity, improve community safety, and support local economies. Fish passage protects benefit communities by reducing flood risk, improving recreational opportunities, and improving roads while supporting native fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. NFPP project examples include dam removals, culvert replacements, floodplain restoration, and the installation of fishways. Local Service staff work with partners to identify and implement projects. Projects are based on sound science, advance the Service mission, and promote aquatic connectivity. Contact regional NFPP Coordinator in your area for information about program priorities and application process. Apply by December 31, 2025. In order for applications to be considered for funding, coordination with NFPP regional and local staff is required before submitting an application.
  • USACE's Broad Agency Announcement - Engineer Research and Development Center (12.630). USACE Engineer Research and Development Center requests pre-proposals for research in various areas, including hydraulics, geotechnical engineering, environmental processes, and more. The announcement is continuously open; pre-proposals may be submitted and will be reviewed at any time throughout the year, but funding may limit awards. Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
  • NETL's Improving Efficiency, Reliability, and Flexibility of Coal-Based Power Plants. Seeks applications for projects to design, implement, test and validate three (3) compelling Topic Areas for strategic refurbishment/retrofit of existing coal power plants, providing a path for rapid and cost-effective restoration of stability to the nation’s bulk power system while supporting the nation’s industrial and energy security priorities by enabling coal powered systems to provide reliable, secure, and affordable electricity delivered in the near term at scale. Successful projects will lead to the implementation of transformational technologies that will significantly improve the efficiency, effectiveness, costs, emissions reductions, and environmental performance of coal and natural gas use. Apply by January 7, 2026
  • DOT's 2026 Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund. Eligible projects described in section 148(a)(4) are strategies, activities, and projects on a public road that are consistent with a transportation safety plan and that (i) correct or improve a hazardous road location or feature, or (ii) address a highway safety problem. Apply by January 15, 2026
  • HUD's Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program (IHBG-COMP) for FY2025.The Indian Housing Block Grant Competitive Program (IHBG-COMP) provides competitive grant opportunities to eligible IHBG formula recipients under the Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) to carry out eligible affordable housing activities for the benefit of low-income Tribal families. Apply by January 15, 2026.
  • EPA's FY 2026 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grants. These Brownfields Grants allow more vacant and abandoned properties to be turned into community assets that can attract jobs and promote economic revitalization in communities. Apply by January 28, 2026 
  • EDA’s FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity to support regions impacted by hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters (2023-2024) is now open. The EDA FY 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program makes approximately $1.45 billion available to support economic recovery activities in areas that received major disaster declarations because of hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters occurring in calendar years 2023 and 2024. Fact Sheet Here. Readiness and Implementation grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing(rolling) basis until funds are exhausted, or the Notice of Funding Opportunity is canceled. Industry Transformation grant applications are due on March 3, 2026.
  • NOAA's FY 2024 Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants. Support the recovery of the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon. Proposals submitted under this solicitation will be evaluated based on alignment with program priorities, including: 1) consistency with priority habitat restoration actions identified in the 2019 “Recovery Plan for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)” and the “Species in the Spotlight Priority Actions: 2021-2025” 5-year action plan for Atlantic salmon; 2) improvement of fish passage and connectivity between the Gulf of Maine and freshwater spawning and rearing habitats within designated Critical Habitat, in locations with river-specific stocks or within a river that hosts a wild or naturally reared run of Atlantic salmon; 3) incorporation of proven restoration techniques, focusing on removal of barriers as the highest priority. Proposals may include the following types of activities: feasibility studies; planning and assessments directly linked to restoration implementation; engineering design and permitting; on-the-ground implementation; pre- and post-removal implementation monitoring; stakeholder engagement, or a combination thereof.  Apply by March 31, 2026.
  • BOR's Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects (Small Storage Program). supports stakeholder efforts to stretch scarce water supplies...and avoid conflicts over water in the 17 western states, Alaska, and Hawaii. Reclamation invites sponsors of small surface water and groundwater storage projects to request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those projects. Apply by April 17, 2026.
  • Delta Regional Authority's (DRA) Community Infrastructure Fund 2025 Funding.  Providing communities within DRA’s eight-state service region (Mississippi River and Alabama Black Belt regions) funding that complements the States’ Economic Development Assistance Program as a primary investment tool for DRA. Investments support projects that address flood control, basic public infrastructure, and transportation infrastructure improvements. Application Deadline: Rolling. 
  • For FY25, EPA has allotted $25 Million for the Small, Underserved, and Disadvantaged Communities Grant Program - grant to award funding to states, territories, and tribes to assist public water systems in meeting Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) requirements. View the FY25 national allotments:
  • Search EPA’s Clearinghouse for Environmental Finance and Fed FUNDS (Federal Funding for Water and Wastewater Utilities in National Disasters (Fed FUNDS)) for more funding opportunities
  • DOE’s Federal Energy Funding For Rural and Remote Areas: A Guide for Communities
  • EPA/State Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)
  • EPA’s Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) loan program - a federal credit program administered by EPA for eligible water and wastewater infrastructure projects. 
  • USDA's Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants. USDA Rural Development provides funding in the form of low-interest loans and grants to develop essential community facilities in eligible rural areas, including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands. Guaranteed Loan Options are also available. Application Deadline: Ongoing
  • USDA’s Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program USDA Rural Development provides funding in the form of low-interest loans and grants to develop essential community facilities in eligible rural areas, including Federally Recognized Tribal Lands. Guaranteed Loan Options are also available. Application Deadline: Ongoing
  • USDA's Water and Environmental Programs. Through Rural Utilities Service Water and Environmental Programs (WEP), rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems. Application Deadline: Ongoing 
  • USDA’s Watershed & Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program. The program provides for cooperation to prevent erosion; floodwater and sediment damage; to further the conservation development, use and disposal of water; and to further the conservation and proper use of land in authorized watersheds. Applications accepted year-round.
  • USDA’s SEARCH - Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant. This program helps very small, financially distressed rural communities with predevelopment feasibility studies, design and technical assistance on proposed water and waste disposal projects. Application Deadline: Ongoing
  • EDA’s Open Funding Opportunities 
  • USACE's Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects (Section 206) - Provides a continuing authority for USACE to restore degraded habitats (aquatic ecosystems) at any location to benefit fish and wildlife resources. Application Deadline: Rolling
  • USACE's Broad Agency Announcement - Engineer Research and Development Center (12.630). USACE Engineer Research and Development Center requests pre-proposals for research in various areas, including hydraulics, geotechnical engineering, environmental processes, and more. The announcement is continuously open; pre-proposals may be submitted and will be reviewed at any time throughout the year, but funding may limit awards. Application Deadline: December 31, 2025
  • EPA Announces Funding for New England States to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water at Schools and Child Care Facilities. EPA will allocate grant funding to states and territories through the Voluntary School and Child Care Lead Testing and Reduction Grant Program. Total allotment amounts for each of the 50 states, DC, and four territories can be found here. Tribal allotments for this program will be released separately. Check in with your state contacts on their timing. 
  • USACE's Continuing Authorities Programs. A group of nine legislative authorities under which USACE can plan, design, and implement certain types of water resources projects without additional project specific congressional authorization. The purpose of the CAP is to plan and implement projects of limited size, cost, scope and complexity. Application Deadline: See website and check with your District Office
  • Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Funding DRA’s eligible entities include those geographically located in 252 counties and parishes in parts of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee – along the lower Mississippi River region and Alabama Black Belt:
    • Strategic Planning Program Funding, Applications accepted on a rolling basis. This program gives public entities access to strategic planning funds to address long-standing issues and develop a roadmap for economic growth and opportunity. Eligible plans include, but are not limited to, economic development plans, utility rate studies, transportation plans, workforce development plans, and broadband deployment plans.
    • See other DRA programs
  • BOR's WaterSmart grants: As of September 2025, funding opportunities for the Small-Scale Water Efficiency Program, Applied Science Grants, Drought Resiliency Projects, and Large-Scale Water Recycling are currently under development. 

Technical Assistance

  • EPA is launching the Strengthening Water Infrastructure for Tomorrow (SWIFT) initiative to help the Nation’s water systems increase their resilience to natural disasters, as well as cyber and other malevolent threats. SWIFT will provide technical assistance to water sector utilities that focus on risk-informed infrastructure planning and investment, as well as build the capacity of state environmental trainer organizations to conduct risk assessments.
  • EPA’s Water Technical Assistance Page includes a one-stop-shop EPA water technical assistance request form where communities can request no-cost direct water technical assistance to evaluate their drinking water, wastewater, stormwater infrastructure, and water quality improvement needs. See also: Water Technical Assistance Fact Sheet and list of Water Technical Assistance programs Have questions about WaterTA? E-mail: WaterTA@epa.gov
  •  WaterTA Through Engineering Support. The WaterTA Engineering Support Team will work with local engineers where available to ensure adequate local expertise and to build relationships and trust. Engineering Planning Support Services may include:
    • Development of Preliminary Engineering Reports
    • Quick turnaround preliminary cost estimates for SRF pre-applications and applications
    • Additional engineering support may be available on a case-by-case basis EPA offers free Tackling Emerging Contaminants (TEC) Water Technical Assistance (WaterTA) (Emerging Contaminants like PFAS, services to support small or disadvantaged communities. These services include diagnostic water quality sampling, preliminary treatment design, and identifying solutions for contamination issues. TEC WaterTA can provide assistance with addressing concerns with any of the contaminants listed in any of the EPA’s Contaminant Candidate Lists (CCLs). Examples include PFOA, PFOS, perchlorate, manganese, 1,4-dioxane, and others. TEC WaterTA cannot address contaminants for which the EPA has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) under the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (NPDWR) other than PFAS.
    • TEC Fact Sheet (pdf) 
    • TEC FAQs (pdf) 
  • EPA's Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Initiative – Seeking New Communities. EPA’s free technical assistance initiative, Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap, is seeking communities in need of help with failing septic systems or total lack of wastewater infrastructure (i.e. straight pipes). This is an opportunity for no-cost assistance to address longstanding wastewater infrastructure failures in small and rural communities across the country and connect those communities to an unprecedented amount of funding still available through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. If your community, or one you know of, needs assistance – please complete this short form to request assistance to see if you qualify.
    • Does your community have septic system or decentralized wastewater challenges?
      • Do septic systems back up into homes or cause sewage to pool in yards?
      • Does the town or county struggle to provide adequate sanitation services to its residents?
      • Does the community struggle to rebuild damaged or non-functioning wastewater and septic systems?
    • What does the assistance include? This assistance includes community engagement, development of preliminary engineering reports, alternatives analyses, and ultimately submittal of funding applications to help communities address their wastewater needs.
  • The EPA’s Office of the Municipal Ombudsman provides a unique service specifically for utilities/municipalities in identifying technical assistance opportunities, brainstorming federal funding options (IIJA and more!), clean water act flexibilities, integrated planning assistance, and more.  Please reach out to municipalombudsman@epa.gov to discuss your projects, permits, or other clean water concerns today - Happy to schedule a time to connect and discuss how my office might assist!
  • EPA’s Environmental Finance Centers offer free, customized support services to water and wastewater systems, decentralized systems, local governments, and others seeking technical, managerial, and financial (TMF) solutions to environmental infrastructure challenges. Our team of experts work hand-in-hand with operators, elected officials, utility directors, and other utility staff to identify barriers and address challenges head on. Request Assistance here [external with funding from EPA]
  • HHS’ RCD Grant Recipient Contacts for Assistance | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov). If you need water or wastewater assistance for your community, you can contact the Rural Community Development (RCD) grant recipient that covers your state or region. RCD grant recipients provide training and technical assistance. Please see the contact information and links to use as resources to contact RCD grant recipients. If you have additional questions, contact OCSRegistrar@icf.com
  • EPA's Technical Assistance to Brownfields Communities Program
  • EPA’s Cybersecurity Helpdesk for the Water Sector: Need help from a subject-matter expert? Submit your questions for free Cybersecurity Technical Assistance Program for the Water Sector. Water systems, primacy agencies, and technical assistance providers can submit questions and request direct consultation to help address your cybersecurity questions. Request Technical Assistance Here
  • EPA’s Water Sector Cybersecurity Evaluation Program: Water Sector Cybersecurity Evaluation is a free program that provides direct access to a cybersecurity professional who can conduct a virtual cybersecurity assessment. Staff can guide you through the assessment process and answer any questions you may have. Request a Cybersecurity Assessment Here
  • Water and Wastewater Sector Incident Response Guide. Use this guide, co-sealed by CISA, EPA, and FBI, to gain a better understanding on how water and wastewater utility operators can expect to work with federal partners to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impact of a cyber incident
  • Top Cyber Actions for Securing Water Systems Fact Sheet
  • EPA’s Water Sector Cybersecurity Case Study
  • EPA Cybersecurity Assessments and Technical Assistance:  Interested water and wastewater utilities can sign up for free, confidential cybersecurity assessments and technical assistance services provided virtually - Register here
  • DOT’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published a collection of technical assistance resources available from various entities or programs to support disadvantaged communities, biking, multiuse paths, and active transportation. The list includes short descriptions of the programs, website links, and primary contacts to reach out to for more information. Organizations featured include government departments and agencies, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, and the Safe Routes Partnership.
  • Clean School Bus Technical Assistance: In partnership with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Joint Office is offering technical assistance on a wide range of clean school bus deployment topics, including electric bus basics, charging equipment, utility connections, bus performance, and operational considerations like routing and maintenance. Request technical assistance here
  • DOE’s Electric Bus Video Technical Assistance Series | Clean School Bus Program Webinars – to provide potential applicants with an overview of the program, relevant information and available resources. 
  • The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) program, has launched the Public Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Infrastructure Playbook.
  • The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation’s Utility Finder (U-Finder) Tool. U-Finder is a web-based tool that provides a list of local utility providers, contacts, and available incentives that support transportation electrification
  • The Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (DOE/DOT) provides technical assistance on planning and implementation of a national network of EV chargers and zero-emission fueling infrastructure as well as zero-emission transit and school buses. Find resources and learn more about technical assistance for states and communities.
  • DOE’s Clean Cities Coalition Network Technical Assistance to assist with alternative fuels, fuel economy improvements, and emerging transportation technologies
  • U.S. Housing and Urban Development Technical Assistance Resources:
  • FEMA: Center for Domestic Preparedness The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) enhances the resiliency of U.S. communities by teaching responders to prepare for and safely respond to a wide range of natural and manmade disasters. The advanced, all-hazards training is free and delivered on the CDP campus in Alabama, at sites around the nation, and online
  • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Technical Assistance Page. USACE primarily provides technical assistance through its Floodplain Management Services (FPMS) program and Planning Assistance to States and Tribal Nations (PAS) program, under which USACE staff are funded to conduct technical analysis and services.
  • USDA/ Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Service Providers (TSP) offer technical assistance at no cost. TSP can help producers plan, design and implement conservation practices or develop conservation activity plans to improve their agricultural operations.
  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) Program. If a producer chooses to take the next step towards improving their operations, we can work with them to develop a conservation plan, with suggested conservation practices that can help them reach their production and conservation goals. A conservation plan identifies a customer’s conservation objectives and assesses and analyzes the natural resources issues on that customer’s land. 
  • USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Through CSP, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to eligible producers to conserve and enhance soil, water, air, and related natural resources on their land. Eligible lands include cropland, grassland, prairie land, pastureland, rangeland, nonindustrial private forest lands, agricultural land under the jurisdiction of an Indian tribe, and other private agricultural land (including cropped woodland, marshes, and agricultural land used for the production of livestock) on which resource concerns related to agricultural production could be addressed.
  • DOT Navigator’s Technical Assistance Resource Database
  • DOT/ FHWA provides comprehensive transportation training and technical assistance to Tribal communities through its Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP), See brochure on Tribal Funding: Transportation Funding Opportunities for Tribal Nation

Webcasts, Workshops, and Meetings

On Demand EPA Webcasts:

White House Resources

Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Resources

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Resources 

Explore Email Newsletters

The information on this page is curated from many resources, including the email updates from these groups:

Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations

Contact Us About Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations
Contact Us About Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on November 26, 2025