Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants

The Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Municipal Grants Program (OSG Program) is administered through the Massachusetts State Revolving Fund (SRF), a financing mechanism jointly managed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. This program is supported by federal funds provided by the Environmental Protection Agency and is designed to assist municipalities in addressing water pollution challenges related to sewer overflows and stormwater management. The OSG Program specifically targets planning and design activities that precede construction projects aimed at mitigating combined sewer overflows (CSOs), sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), and improving stormwater and subsurface drainage systems. The primary objective of the program is to help communities, particularly those with limited financial capacity, prepare for infrastructure improvements that reduce environmental and public health risks associated with untreated wastewater discharges. Funding is restricted to planning and design phases, meaning that while construction itself is not directly funded through this grant, the preparatory work supported by the program is essential to advancing eligible capital projects. Activities may include feasibility studies, engineering designs, and other preparatory analyses that align with federal Clean Water Act eligibility criteria. Eligible applicants include municipalities or municipal entities classified as Eligible Borrowers under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 29C. These must either be small rural communities with populations of 10,000 or fewer or Disadvantaged Communities with populations greater than 10,000 as determined by affordability metrics. The program requires that proposed projects support future construction efforts that address CSO or SSO correction or stormwater management systems. Only capital-related planning and design efforts are eligible, and operational or maintenance activities are explicitly excluded from funding consideration. The application process is conducted through the MassDEP State Revolving Fund portal, where applicants must complete and submit a formal application along with required documentation. According to the application instructions, submissions are accepted on a rolling basis while funding remains available. Applicants must provide detailed project descriptions, cost estimates, schedules, and supporting documentation such as a Plan of Study, authorization to file, and professional service agreements. Once an application is submitted, applicants have 30 days to complete it unless an extension is granted by the SRF Data Support Team. The maximum grant award available under the OSG Program is $250,000 per applicant. If total project costs do not exceed this amount, no local appropriation is required. However, if project costs exceed the grant amount and additional SRF loan funding is sought, the applicant must demonstrate local financial commitment for the full project cost. Grantees are required to initiate project activities within six months of approval and complete all planning and design work within two years, adhering to the terms outlined in the grant agreement. Evaluation of applications is conducted by MassDEP and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, with final funding commitments contingent upon review of financial and technical information. The program follows standard SRF procedures, and award decisions are subject to the availability of funds. Successful applicants must comply with federal Uniform Grant Guidance requirements, including procurement standards and reporting obligations. Contact for the program includes the SRF Program Manager at MassDEP, with additional support available through the SRF Data Support Team.

Ensure project clearly supports CSO SSO or stormwater mitigation construction outcomes and aligns with Clean Water Act eligibility. Provide detailed and realistic project schedules and cost estimates to avoid delays in approval.