Economically Distressed Areas Grant Program

The Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP) is designed to provide financial assistance through grants and loans to support water and wastewater projects in economically distressed areas lacking such services or where existing services do not meet state standards. This initiative aims to facilitate the planning, land acquisition, design, and construction of first-time services or improvements to water supply and wastewater treatment systems. EDAP targets projects within counties enforcing Model Subdivision Rules and prioritizes areas based on public health and safety considerations, as well as the ability to enforce relevant regulations. Funding is significantly supported through constitutional bonding authority, with recent legislation enabling an increase in available funds for these critical infrastructure projects. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, water districts, nonprofit water supply corporations, and other political subdivisions, all of which must comply with specific income and regulatory benchmarks to qualify for assistance.