Request for Applications for Regional Facility Planning
The Texas Water Development Board (Board) requests, pursuant to 31 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) Chapter §355, Subchapter A, as amended, the submission of planning grant applications leading to the possible award of contracts for regional facility planning. This planning will evaluate and determine the most feasible alternatives to meet water supply and/or wastewater facility needs, estimate the costs associated with implementing feasible water supply and/or wastewater facility alternatives, and identify institutional arrangements to provide water supply and/or wastewater services for areas in Texas. In order to receive a grant, the applicant must have the authority to plan, implement, and operate regional water supply and/or wastewater facilities.
Planning grant applications may be submitted by eligible political subdivisions from any area of the state. To be eligible for funding, at least two political subdivisions must participate in the proposed study and more than one service area must be evaluated for feasibility of regional facilities. In addition, applicants must supply a map of the geographical planning area to be studied.
Description of Planning Purpose and Objectives. Note: studies related to the development of regional water supply plans, the evaluation of water supply alternatives, and drought response plans, as described in Texas Water Code, §16.053, are not eligible for funding under this Request for Applications. The purpose of this program is for the state to assist local governments to prepare plans that document water supply and/or wastewater service facility needs, identify feasible regional alternatives to meet water supply and/or wastewater facility needs, and present estimates of costs associated with providing regional water supply facilities and distribution lines and/or regional wastewater treatment plants and collection systems. The study should, at a minimum, include the following steps:
- Develop Problem Statement;
- Inventory Existing Conditions and Forecast Future Conditions and Needs;
- Formulate Planning Alternatives;
- Evaluate and Compare Each Planning Alternative; and
- Select Best Planning Alternative.
A water conservation plan and a drought management plan must be developed to ensure that existing and future sources are used efficiently and as a basis for confirming demand projections of future need. The Board's population and water demand projections will be considered in preparing projections. Discrete phases to implement regional water supply and/or wastewater facilities to meet projected needs will be identified. Environmental, social, and cultural factors for possible solutions identified in the plan should be evaluated. Cost estimates will be made for each respective implementation phase to determine the capital, operation, and maintenance requirements for a 30-year planning period. Separate cost estimates will be made for each regional water supply and/or wastewater system component, including the water conservation program.
Description of Funding Consideration. An amount not to exceed $400,000 has been initially authorized for Fiscal Year 2013 assistance for regional facility planning from the Board's Research and Planning Fund. Up to 50 percent funding may be provided to individual applicants, with up to 75 percent funding available to areas identified in 31 TAC §355.10 (a) as economically disadvantaged. In the event that acceptable applications are not submitted, the Board retains the right not to award contract funds.
Deadline, Review Criteria, and Contact Person for Additional Information. Six double-sided copies on recycled paper and one digital copy (CD) of a complete regional facility planning grant application including the required attachments must be filed with the Board prior to 12:00 p.m., Thursday, December 20, 2012. Applications can be directed either in person to Mr. David Carter, Texas Water Development Board, Stephen F. Austin Building, 1700 North Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas or by mail to Mr. David Carter, Texas Water Development Board, P.O. Box 13231 Austin, Texas 78711-3231.
Applications will be evaluated according to 31 TAC §355.5. All potential applicants can contact the Board to obtain these rules and an application instruction sheet. Requests for information may be directed to David Meesey at the preceding mailing address, by e-mail at david.meesey@twdb.texas.gov or by calling (512) 936-0852. More information can be found on the TWDB Site
Issued in Austin, Texas, by Ken Petersen, General Counsel