Regional Water Supply and Wastewater Facilities Planning Program
The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) offers grants to political subdivisions of the State of Texas for studies and analyses to evaluate and determine the most feasible alternatives to meet regional water supply and wastewater facility needs, estimate the costs associated with implementing feasible regional water supply and wastewater facility alternatives, and identify institutional arrangements to provide regional water supply and wastewater services for areas in Texas.
The proposed planning must be regional in nature by inclusion of more than one service area or more than one political subdivision. All proposed solutions must be consistent with applicable regional or statewide plans and relevant laws and regulations.
Development of a water conservation plan is strongly encouraged to be included as a specific task in the scope of work for proposed planning areas without a Board-approved water conservation plan. Texas Water Development Board population and demand projections must be used to determine future needs in the planning process unless adequate justification is provided (and accepted) for using projections other than the Texas Water Development Board's.
Financing of the program is through the TWDB's Research and Planning Fund.
Who May Apply?
Political subdivisions of the State of Texas with the legal authority to plan, develop, and operate regional facilities are eligible applicants for regional water supply and wastewater planning grants. Political subdivisions include cities, counties, districts or authorities created under the Texas Constitution, Article III, Section 52, or Article XVI, Section 59; any other political subdivision of the State; any interstate compact commission to which the State is a party; and any nonprofit water supply corporation created and operating under Texas Government Code Chapter 67.
When Can I Apply?
The Texas Water Development Board publishes a Request for Proposals in the Texas Register each fiscal year. The Request for Proposals is also posted on the TWDB website.
How Are Applications Submitted?
Applications are to be copied on both sides of the paper and recycled materials should be used when possible. A total of six (6) copies of a complete application and an electronic copy of the application in both Microsoft WORD and Portable Document Format should be submitted to the following address:
Texas Water Development Board
Research and Planning Fund Grants Management
1700 North Congress
P. O. Box 13231
Austin, Texas 78711-3231
All applications must be complete and include general information, proposed planning information, existing system information, written assurances, and proof of notification. A Regional Water Supply and Wastewater Facilities Application Checklist is provided to assist you in completing the application. Please check the boxes after you have included the respective items in your proposal and return the completed checklist with the application.
What Special Requirements Apply?
A copy of our standard contract for Research and Planning Fund grants is available upon request. Please make note of the following contractual requirements that are included.
- Applicants must provide evidence of local matching funds on or before the date specified for negotiation and execution of a contract;
- Applicants must provide written notice to all appropriate entities impacting or impacted by the planning project. Evidence of this notice must be received by the Texas Water Development Board at least 30 days prior to the Board's formal consideration of the application for funding;
- Applicants must coordinate with existing water supply and/or wastewater treatment studies and activities for the purpose of providing information for the proposed planning and to avoid duplication of activities;
- All subcontracts for professional services must be awarded in accordance with the Texas Government Code Chapter 2254, Professional and Consulting Services;
- All subcontracts for work performed must be determined to be consistent with the Texas Water Development Board contract in writing from the TWDB;
- All subcontracts must include a detailed task and expense budget for each item of work to be performed;
- All subcontracts must include provisions that require subcontractor compliance with Texas Water Development Board grant contract with the applicant and applicable rules;
- Applicants must hold coordination meetings throughout the duration of the planning process in order to solicit comments from the affected public regarding the content of the planning project and to receive comments on a draft final report;
- All funding from the Texas Water Development Board will be on a cash reimbursable basis with a 10% retainage to be withheld by the Texas Water Development Board until conclusion of the planning;
- All subcontractor charges must be paid by the applicant prior to submitting a payment request to the Texas Water Development Board;
- Applicants must submit payment requests including substantiating documentation and progress reports to the Texas Water Development Board for reimbursement of expenses;
- Applicants must submit four (4) double-sided copies of a draft final report for review and comment to the Texas Water Development Board and two (2) electronic copies of the entire draft final report (one in Portable Document Format (PDF) and one in Microsoft Word format);
- Applicants must submit seven (7) hard copies and two (2) electronic copies of the Final Report that incorporates or addresses comments received to the Texas Water Development Board. In compliance with Texas Administrative Code, Title 1, Part 10, Chapters 206 and 213 (related to Accessibility and Usability of State Web Sites), the digital copies of the final report will comply with the requirements and standards specified in statute;
- Final Reports are to be copied on both sides of the paper and recycled materials should be used when possible;
- The Texas Water Development Board retains unlimited rights to technical or other data resulting directly from the planning; and
- Applicants must provide the Texas Water Development Board with copies of all electronic data and programs resulting directly from the planning.
What Funding Limitations Apply?
Grants for regional facility planning are generally limited to 50% of the total cost of the project, except that the board may supply up to 75% of the total cost to political subdivisions which have unemployment rates exceeding the state average by 50% or more, and which have per capita income which is 65% or less of the state average for the last reporting period available. Grants in excess of 75% for regional facility planning will be provided if authorized by specific legislation or legislative appropriation language.
In-kind services may be substituted for any part of the local share, if such services are directly in support of the planning effort, are properly documented, and approved in advance by the board.
Funds will be released only as reimbursement of costs actually incurred for approved activities.
Activities directly related to the preparation of applications for state or federal permits or other approvals, activities associated with administrative or legal proceedings by regulatory agencies, or preparation of engineering plans and specifications are not eligible for this regional facility planning grant assistance.
Studies related to the development of regional water plans and drought response plans as defined in Texas Water Code §16.053 and §16.055 are not eligible for regional facility planning grant assistance.
Where Can I Get Additional Information?
If you have questions regarding eligibility or preparation of an application, please contact:
David Meesey
Texas Water Development Board
Research and Planning Fund
1700 North Congress Avenue
P.O. Box 78711-3231
Telephone: (512) 936-0852
FAX: (512) 936-0889
Email: david.meesey@twdb.texas.gov