Consolidation Feasibility Study Grant

The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Consolidation Feasibility Study Grant Program is administered by the Washington State Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water. The program is designed to promote regionalization and consolidation of water systems across the state to improve efficiency, sustainability, and the delivery of safe and reliable drinking water. The initiative focuses particularly on small water systems, encouraging their integration into larger entities with greater technical, managerial, and financial capacity. By reducing the number of small, potentially vulnerable systems, the program aims to strengthen long-term water infrastructure and public health outcomes. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund feasibility studies and related planning efforts that evaluate the consolidation or restructuring of water systems. Eligible activities include capacity development assessments, governance analysis, engineering design, rate studies, public outreach, and cost analyses. The grant supports both physical consolidation of systems and administrative restructuring, such as transferring ownership to a public entity. Importantly, the funding is limited to planning and feasibility activities and cannot be used for construction, although it may support certain connection fee-related costs such as system development charges and administrative expenses. Funding amounts for the program vary depending on project scope. Standard feasibility study grants range from 10000 to 50000 dollars per project. However, projects involving multiple systems or requiring connection fee support may qualify for funding up to 250000 dollars. The funding is dependent on legislative appropriations and may also include federal contributions distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. A portion of awarded funds is withheld until project completion and approval of deliverables, and all funded work must be completed within two years of contract execution. Eligibility is limited to Group A not-for-profit community water systems, municipalities, counties, public utility districts, and water districts within Washington State. Applicants must serve more than 500 residents, although exceptions may be considered. Tribal water systems may also apply if they meet specific criteria. Applicants are required to demonstrate commitment from all participating systems through letters of support or agreements and must have an approved water system plan or management program. Certain entities, such as federally owned or for-profit non-community water systems, are not eligible to apply, though they may participate in consolidation efforts. The application process is conducted through the Washington Loan Tracking system and requires completion of a detailed application worksheet. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed on a rolling basis, with formal contract issuance occurring twice annually. Applicants must submit documentation outlining project scope, participating systems, compliance issues, and financial planning. Additional requirements include registration with federal and state systems such as SAM.gov and obtaining a Unique Entity Identifier. Projects are evaluated based on a scoring system that prioritizes public health risks and regulatory compliance issues. Higher scores are awarded to projects addressing contamination, infrastructure deficiencies, or regulatory violations. Additional bonus points may be awarded for factors such as community support, inclusion in existing water system plans, and participation of disadvantaged communities. Successful applicants are notified within approximately 30 days of funding decisions, and contracts are typically issued within six months. The program operates on a recurring, year-round basis with semi-annual review cycles. Webinars and technical assistance are regularly provided to support applicants, and program staff are available for guidance throughout the application process. Contact information is provided for various program areas, including eligibility, technical assistance, and contract management.

Clearly document public health risks and compliance issues; prioritize projects addressing contamination or regulatory violations; ensure all participating systems demonstrate commitment; include detailed cost and governance analysis