The Rural Water Loan Fund (RWLF) is a funding program specifically designed to meet the unique needs of small water and wastewater utilities. The RWLF provides low-cost loans for short-term repair costs, small capital projects, or pre-development costs associated with larger projects. The RWLF was established through a grant from the USDA/RUS, and repaid funds are used to replenish the fund and make new loans.
The community of Darlington, Ind. used the Rural Water Loan Fund to start repairs on their aging wastewater plant. The 30-year-old plant had been badly neglected and equipment was beginning to fail.“So many things are in dire need of repair,” explained Judy Anderson, Darlington Clerk-Treasure.“We weren’t aware of many of the problems.”
When it became clear major repairs and upgrades were needed, the town started seeking grants and loans to begin repairs. Darlington applied for a $500,000 State Development Block Grant three times and requested a similar-sized loan from their state loan fund.“We’ve tried to get a grant for I don’t know how long,”Anderson said.“We needed to get going.”
The town learned of the RWLF from a utility superintendent assisting their system. Darlington leaders saw the program as a chance to make some of the needed repairs while they waited on larger grants.“It was very simple, very quick”Anderson said. “They were very easy to work with.”
The town received a $100,000 loan and immediately began repairs to the wastewater plant. “There was an enormous need to get something done now,” Anderson said.“It’s hard to put into words all the things needed.It’s nice that there are things like this program for small towns.”
Information can be emailed, if available electronically, to the email address below. Applications and supporting documents can also be sent by mail. Applicants may also contact any State Rural Water Association for assistance in preparing and submitting the required documents.
Mailing Address:
Rural Water Loan Fund
2915 S. 13th Street
Duncan, OK 73533
Email Address:
nrwarwlf@nrwa.org
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, USDA, its Mission Areas, agencies, staff offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language) should contact the responsible Mission Area, agency, or staff office; the USDA TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY); or the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.
