33 MAC Pt. 17
Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund Program Regulations DW SRF
Cite as 33 Miss. Admin. Code Pt. 17
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND RURAL WATER SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENTS BOARD
Title 33: Public Health - Local Governments & Rural Water Systems Improvements Board
Part 17: Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund Program Regulations DW SRF
Base Intended Use Plan
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENTS
REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
FFY-2024 INTENDED USE PLAN
Approved by the Board
9/27/2024
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND RURAL WATER SYSTEMS
IMPROVEMENTS BOARD
P. O. BOX 1700 SUITE U-232
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39215-1700
(Blank)
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND RURAL WATER SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENTS BOARD
Title 33: Public Health - Local Governments & Rural Water Systems Improvements Board
Part 17: Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund Program Regulations
DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENTS REVOLVING LOAN FUND
FFY-2024 INTENDED USE PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I.
INTRODUCTION ........................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
A.
STATE OF MISSISSIPPI’S DRINKING WATER STATE REVOLVING LOAN FUND ............... ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
B.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW ........................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
C.
PUBLIC INPUT, REVIEW, AND COMMENT PROCEDURES ....... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
II.
GOALS OF MISSISSIPPI’S DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENTS
REVOLVING LOAN FUND (DWSIRLF) PROGRAM ........ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
A.
BASIC GOALS ......................................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
B.
LONG-TERM DWSIRLF GOALS ........................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
III. STRUCTURE OF THE MISSISSIPPI DWSIRLF ........ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
A.
DWSIRLF LOAN/OPERATIONS FUND ................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
1.
Types of Eligible Projects: ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.
Set-aside Accounts: ................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
B.
DWSIRLF STATE MATCH FUNDS ......................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
C.
DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS EMERGENCY LOAN FUND (DWSELF) ... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT
DEFINED.
IV. FINANCIAL STATUS OF THE DWSIRLF .................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
A.
SOURCE AND USE OF FUNDS .................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
1.
Federal Allotment ................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.
State Match Requirements ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.
Loan Increase Reserve ............................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
B.
FINANCIAL PLANNING PROCESS ........................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
1.
Efficient Bond Management ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.
Interest Rate Determination ..................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
C.
FINANCIAL TERMS OF LOANS ............................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
1.
Funding Limit ......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.
Interest Rate ............................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.
Administration Fee .................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.
FFY-2024 Appropriation Special Provisions ............................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.
Other Related Issues................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
V.
SET-ASIDE ACTIVITIES .............................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
A.
ADMINISTRATION .................................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
B.
SMALL SYSTEM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ............................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
C.
STATE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT .......................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
D.
LOCAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER STATE PROGRAMS............ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
VI. PRIORITY SYSTEM ..................................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
A.
FUNDING AND RANKING RATIONALE .................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
1.
Funding Lists and Bypass Procedure ....................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
2.
FFY-2024 Green Infrastructure Requirement ........................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
3.
Loan Decreases....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
4.
Match for Special Appropriations Project (SPAP) Grants ........................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
5.
Subsidization from FFY-2024 Federal Appropriation............................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
C.
PRIORITY RANKING CRITERIA .............................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
D.
PRIORITY SYSTEM DEADLINES ............................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
VII. FFY-2024 PRIORITY LIST .................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
VIII. EXPECTED PUBLIC HEALTH OUTCOMES & PERFORMANCE MEASURES ..... ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDICES ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX A ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX B - PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF OUTLAYS FOR CAPITALIZATION GRANT
SET-ASIDES ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX C - PROJECTED PAYMENT (FEDERAL LETTER OF CREDIT) SCHEDULE
ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX D - PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF DRAWDOWNS AGAINST FEDERAL LETTER
OF CREDIT (ACH DRAW SCHEDULE) ............................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX E - MISSISSIPPI SMALL SYSTEMS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SET-ASIDE
WORK PLAN ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX F - MISSISSIPPI STATE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT SET-ASIDE ANNUAL
WORK PLAN ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX G - LOCAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER STATE PROGRAMS ANNUAL WORK
PLAN
ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX H - COORDINATION SCHEDULES FOR JOINTLY FUNDED PROJECTS . ERROR!
BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX I - DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS EMERGENCY LOAN FUND PROGRAM
ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX J - CERTIFICATIONS ...................................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX K – INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK
NOT DEFINED.
APPENDIX L - LOCAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER STATE PROGRAMS ANNUAL WORK
PLAN
ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
I.
INTRODUCTION
A. State of Mississippi’s Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund
The Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 (SDWA) established the national
Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) Program. That program allows the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to make capitalization (Cap) grants to states to,
in turn, provide low-cost loans to public water systems to help achieve or maintain
compliance with SDWA requirements. Accordingly, the State Legislature (through
Section 41-3-16, MS Code of 1972 Annotated) created what is now called the Drinking
Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund (DWSIRLF) Program, to receive the
federal DWSRF capitalization grants from EPA, and to provide low-cost loans to the state’s
public water systems to finance needed infrastructure improvements. This legislation also
allows the DWSIRLF, subject to the authority of State Law, to make loans that may utilize
additional subsidization beyond standard DWSIRLF loans as well as setting appropriate
criteria to determine eligible recipients.
That same legislation created the "Local Governments and Rural Water Systems
Improvements Board" (Board), to oversee the administration of the DWSIRLF Program.
The Mississippi State Department of Health (Department), as the state’s drinking water
primacy agency, supplies the staff and facilities necessary to administer the program. The
Board is composed of the following nine (9) members: the State Health Officer, who shall
serve as chairman of the Board; the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development
Authority; the Executive Director of the Department of Environmental Quality; the
Executive Director of the Department of Finance and Administration; the Executive
Director of the Mississippi Association of Supervisors; the Executive Director of the
Mississippi Municipal League; the Executive Director of the American Council of
Engineering Companies; the State Director of the United States Department of Agriculture,
Rural Development; and a manager of a rural water system. Each agency director may
appoint a designee to serve in his or her place on the Board. The Governor appoints the
rural water system manager. In the creation of the Program, it was the intent of the
Legislature that the Board endeavor to ensure that the costs of administering the DWSIRLF
Program are as low as possible in order to provide the water consumers of Mississippi with
safe drinking water at affordable prices.
As a condition of receiving the DWSRF Cap grants, the SDWA requires that each state
annually prepare an Intended Use Plan (IUP) designed to outline how a state will utilize
DWSRF’s funds to assist in protecting public health. The DWSIRLF consists of both state
and federal funds. Federal funds are provided to the states in the form of awarded Cap
grants. Each state’s allotment of those grants is based on EPA’s Needs Survey that is
performed every four years. State matching funds totaling 20% of the federal grant amount
to that state are required to be deposited into the Fund and have historically been provided
through the issuance of bonds; however, the State legislature has provided the required
State match funds as a direct agency appropriation. The purpose of this IUP is to convey
the State of Mississippi’s (State) DWSRF plan for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2024 to EPA,
other state agencies, the State’s public water supplies, and the public.
B. Program Overview
The basic framework under which the DWSIRLF Program operates is established by two
documents. The first document is the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program
Operating Agreement (Operating Agreement) between the Mississippi State Department
of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency, Region IV. The current Operating
Agreement was agreed to by both parties and approved on March 21, 2021. The Operating
Agreement establishes the basic framework of the DWSIRLF that is not expected to change
from year to year. The second document is the IUP which describes how the State of
Mississippi will use the funding received from the EPA Cap grant which is received each
year.
The authorized allotment of the FFY-2024 Cap Grant from EPA for Mississippi is
$5,837,000. The Program intent to apply for the full amount of this cap grant and the BIL
Supplemental cap grant. These funds must be used in the period of July 2024 through June
2028. As a condition of the FFY-2024 Cap Grant the program agrees to comply with
DWSRF regulations, the general grant regulations at 40 CFR part 200, and specific
conditions of the capitalization grant and to enter data into SRF Data System no less than
quarterly. The FFY-2024 IUP will show in detail the goals (basic, long-term, and short-
term), the structure, and the financial status of the Program; the role of the set-aside
activities within the state; and most importantly, the distribution of funds towards public
water system improvements projects and the criteria used to determine their ranking within
the priority system. Those desiring to receive a copy of this document may contact Brittney
Carmichael, Program Support Specialist, at (601) 576-7649.
The United States Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (AKA the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law or BIL) which was signed by the President on November
15, 2021. The bill appropriates an additional $2.202 billion to DWSRF for any eligible
projects. Of the $2.4 billion additional allotment, the State’s 2024 allotment (1.25%) for
eligible projects was $28,785,000(2024 TBD) with a required state contribution (20%) of
$5,757,000. The maximum principal forgiveness (49%) allowable to Eligible Borrowers
will be $14,104,650. The Program will take action to follow its priority and planning list
to apply the funding as applicable. See Appendix K for additional details.
C. Public Input, Review, and Comment Procedures
To ensure that the public has an ample opportunity to review and comment upon the IUP,
the Department and the Board follows the requirements of the “Mississippi Administrative
Procedures Law” prior to final submission of the IUP to EPA. A public notice period of at
least twenty-five (25) days allows for review and comment before an oral proceeding.
After adoption by the Board, a second filing with the Secretary of State’s Office occurs; if
no additional comments are received the IUP becomes law 30 days after the second filing.
Public notice will be given in The Clarion Ledger, a newspaper of statewide circulation,
for written and oral comments on this IUP. An oral proceeding will be held at 9:00 a.m.
on Sept. 26, 2024. Minutes of the oral proceeding, recording any comments and
recommended solutions, will be submitted to the EPA along with the Final IUP. Those
desiring to receive a copy of the oral proceeding transcript should contact Brittney
Carmichael, Program Support Specialist, at (601) 576-7649. A copy of the “Mississippi
Administrative Procedures Law” may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s
Office and can also be found on the Mississippi State Department of Health’s website at
www.healthyms.com/dwsrf.
II.
Goals of Mississippi’s Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund
(DWSIRLF) Program
The Board has established certain goals for the DWSIRLF Program with the objective of
improving the Program on an ongoing basis. The goals have been classified into three
categories that include basic, long-term, and short-term. These goals were developed to
address the necessary requirements of federal and state regulations, as well as the state’s
need and desire to maintain and enhance the Program. Congress and the State of
Mississippi have placed particular emphasis on assisting smaller drinking water systems
under the DWSIRLF to ensure that these systems have adequate technical, managerial, and
financial resources to achieve or maintain compliance and provide safe drinking water.
A. Basic Goals
1. Maintain a financially sound DWSIRLF in perpetuity; meet a portion of the
drinking water needs in the state within a reasonable period of time; and fund
projects in order of public health importance. Attaining these basic goals will help
ensure that Mississippi's drinking water supplies remain safe and affordable, and
that those public water systems that receive funding will be properly operated and
maintained.
2. Determine the DWSIRLF’s yearly interest rate, taking into consideration that it
must be competitive with the private sector, as well as with other available funding
sources within the state. This will ensure the timely use of available funds, as well
as ensure sufficient income is generated to provide for the perpetuity of the Fund.
Further details of loan terms and priority ranking are outlined in Sections IV and
VI of this IUP.
3. Ensure the program’s goal align with the EPA’s Strategic Goal of “Ensuring Clean
and Safe Water for All Communities”.
i. Tackling the climate crisis
ii. Taking decisive action to advance Environmental Justice and civil rights
iii. Enforcing environmental laws and ensuring compliance
iv. Improving air quality and reducing localized pollution and health impacts
v. Ensuring clean and safe water for all communities
vi. Cleaning up and revitalizing communities
vii. Ensuring the safety of chemicals for people and the environment
B. Long-Term DWSIRLF Goals
1. Enhance and/or improve loan application and repayment procedures. MSDH
intends to periodically evaluate the existing Program requirements and procedures
to determine ways to streamline the DWSIRLF Program’s application and
repayment procedures, making it more user-friendly, attractive, and beneficial to
loan recipients, while ensuring continued compliance with all federal and state
regulations and requirements.
2. Program staff are exploring the feasibility of creating a universal web-based
ranking form for all lending agencies within the state. The proposed form would
ask a few simple questions, recommend a lending program based on the responses,
and submit the ranking form to the appropriate agency. This could help potential
loan recipients find the program that is right for their water utility, quickly and
easily.
3. Continue programs to protect the State’s ground water by using designated funds
from the Cap grants to fund abandonment and plugging of wells. Since FFY-2012
the Program has been using the Local Assistance and Other State Programs set-
asides to properly abandon inactive wells and open holes. Inactive wells and open
holes are potential avenues of contamination to the aquifer and a danger to humans.
This program is a worthwhile endeavor that will protect the source water of the
state’s water supplies.
4. Develop a tracking system to manage programmatic and financial documentation.
A tracking system will provide DWSIRLF loan recipients and their representatives
an opportunity to view the status and/or location of documents mailed to the
Program for review and/or processing. This tracking system will also assist
Program staff in tracking/monitoring program documentation reviews as well as
disbursements.
5. Develop a comprehensive engineering project manager (PM) manual. The Bureau
of Public Water Supply continues to make changes to the personnel involved with
the DWSIRLF Program as the need arises. A comprehensive manual for project
management will help ensure new PMs will have all the necessary tools and
reference materials at their disposal to ensure the ongoing project flow will be
uninterrupted. Since regulations change periodically, once the manual is completed
it will be maintained by assigned staff.
C.
Short-Term DWSIRLF Goals
1. Enhance and/or improve the Program by making it more attractive to public water
systems. The evaluation of this goal will be based on input received from “one-on-
one” visits with staff at engineering firms, town conferences, and general feedback
obtained from loan recipients and consulting engineers during the loan process.
These meetings will be conducted with firms currently participating in the
DWSIRLF Program to collect data regarding the effectiveness of the loan
application process currently being implemented.
2. Explore the possibility of developing web-based checklists and forms to
electronically store and process project management information.
3. Assist applicants in addressing capacity assessment deficiencies found during
annual inspections by using technical solutions afforded by the technical assistance
set-aside contractors. New or forthcoming regulations may make this a key goal in
the future.
4. Train new staff members using available training sessions provided by EPA Region
IV staff.
5. Meet special funding goals: Executive Order 13858, Strengthening Buy-American
Provisions for Infrastructure Projects, may introduce additional provisions that will
require additional compliance monitoring, thus creating an additional burden to the
Program.
6. Automatic repayment collection system: Continue the implementation of an
automatic repayment collection system; many loan recipients in the Program’s
repayment mode desire an automatic electronic repayment system as is available in
the public sector. The DWSIRLF, by instituting this payment option, will ensure a
timely receipt of monthly repayments, as well as make the repayment process much
more convenient for our loan recipients.
7. Implement a Cash Flow Model (CFM) to forecast all cash flows of the Drinking
Water State Revolving Funds to optimize the Program’s lending capacity.
III.
Structure of the Mississippi DWSIRLF
The Mississippi DWSIRLF is structured around three separate funds that sustain the
Program and help it achieve the basic, short-term, and long-term goals. The funds are
broken down further into designated accounts, each having a specific function.
A. DWSIRLF Loan/Operations Fund
Monies in the Fund support a majority of the functions of the DWSIRLF. These functions
include program administration, set-aside operations, and most importantly provide
disbursements to public water systems for eligible projects. The DWSIRLF is a
reimbursement program, meaning that after the loan is awarded, costs associated with
planning, designing, and constructing the project are reimbursed to the recipient. Cap
grants from EPA, loan repayments and interest earnings are deposited into this Fund.
1. Types of Eligible Projects:
Many types of projects are eligible for funding by the Program. For a more detailed
explanation of eligible costs for projects, please reference Appendix A of the
DWSIRLF Regulations.
2. Set-aside Accounts:
The set-aside accounts reside under the umbrella of the Fund and are distinctly
designated by reporting categories. A listing of the set-asides taken by Mississippi
includes the following for FFY-2024:
a. Administrative Set-aside: Provides financial support to administer the loan
Program and other non-project-related activities.
b. Small System Technical Assistance Set-aside: Provides technical assistance to
small water systems.
c. State Program Management Set-aside: Provides additional financial support to
MSDH – Bureau of Public Water Supply for Public Water System Supervision
Program.
d. Local Assistance and Other State Programs: Provides funding for the
implementation of a wellhead protection program.
B. DWSIRLF State Match Funds
As required by the SDWA, the State of Mississippi must match the Cap grant with state
funds equaling 20% of the federal allotment. While state match monies are maintained
separately from the Fund for accounting purposes, they are still considered to be under
the “umbrella” protection of the DWSRF.
C. Drinking Water Systems Emergency Loan Fund (DWSELF)
The Board also oversees the DWSELF. This fund contains only State dollars that are
utilized solely for public water supply loans which meet the definition of emergency.
For further information see Appendix I.
IV.
Financial Status of the DWSIRLF
This section outlines all sources of funding available to the DWSIRLF Program and
indicates intended uses. This section also describes the financial assistance terms
available through the Program.
A. Source and Use of Funds
The FFY-2024 EPA Capitalization Grant allotment for Mississippi of $5,837,000 has a
20% state match of $1,167,400 is required and the FFY-2024 BIL Supplemental
Capitalization Grant allotment of $28,785,000 with a 20% the state match requirement of
$5,757,000 this provides an amount of $41,546,400for both loans and set-aside activities.
A national reallotment of funding made available to the State after Wyoming passed on its
2021 allotment. The State will amend its 2021 capitalization grant to access the additional
$30,000 in funding. State match of $6,000 will be earmarked from funding available to the
program to meet the required 20%.
The FFY-2024 “Set-aside” uses for the standard Cap grant and BIL Supplemental Cap
grant are outlined in Section V of this IUP. Necessary work plans showing utilization of
these funds are found in the appendices of this IUP.
1. Federal Allotment
With the FFY-2024 Capitalization Grant for Mississippi of $5,837,000 the state
match requirement to federal grant funds will be 20% state match funds to 80%
federal grant funds; this requirement will be stated in the grant application.
The FFY-2024 BIL Supplemental Capitalization Grant allotment for Mississippi
of $28,785,000 the state match requirement to federal grant funds will be 20%
state match funds to 80% federal grant funds; this requirement will be stated in
the grant application.
2. State Match Requirements
The 2024 State Legislature will authorize an appropriation or the issuance of bonds
to be used as match for the FFY-2024 EPA Capitalization Grants. An amount of
$6,531,800 is required to fully match the FFY-2024 EPA Capitalization Grants.
3. Loan Increase Reserve
Beginning in FFY-2003 the Board began to make loan awards after approval of the
facilities plans and loan application, rather than after completion of the project
design. This change in the loan award sequence increased the likelihood that bid
overruns on some projects could be greater than the construction contingency
included in the loan agreement. In order to be able to provide loan increases (when
needed) to existing loans, the Board intends to set-aside the $2,000,000 for such
loan increases; loan increases will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Any funds not obligated for these purposes by the end of the fiscal year may be
made available for new loan awards to the highest-ranking project(s) that is ready
for loan award at the time funds become available.
B.
Financial Planning Process
In accordance with the Board's desire to maintain a financially sound DWSIRLF loan
Fund in perpetuity, while at the same time meeting a substantial portion of the drinking
water needs in the state within a reasonable period of time, the following financial
decisions were made regarding the Fund:
1. Efficient Bond Management
The Board intends that the MSDH apply for the entire state Cap grant allotment
under the federal DWSRF, including the set-asides described in Section V below.
State bond proceeds obtained shall be deposited into the DWSIRLF and shall be
used as the state match for federal DWSRF Cap grants.
2. Interest Rate Determination
It is the Board’s intention to adjust interest rates such that the demand will equal
the funds available. In order to ensure that this interest rate will be at or below the
prevailing market rates at the time a loan is made, this rate will be compared to the
twenty-year (20) triple-A rated, tax-exempt insured revenue bond yield published
by fmsbonds, Inc. (fmsbonds Online, https://www.fmsbonds.com/market-yields/).
3. Investment
Investment Procedures for Excess Cash - According to the State Treasurer, the
excess cash in the Fund is invested by the State Treasurer in securities prescribed
in Section 27-105-33, et. Seq., of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, as
amended. The securities in which state funds may be invested include certificates
of deposit with qualified state depositories, repurchase agreements (fully secured
by direct United States Treasury obligations, United States Government agency
obligations, United States Government instrumentalities or United States
Government sponsored enterprise obligations), direct United States Treasury
obligations, United States Government agency obligations, United States
Government instrumentalities or United States Government sponsored enterprise
obligations, and any other open-ended or closed-ended management type
investment company or investment trust registered under the provisions of 15
U.S.C. Section 80(a)-1 et. Seq, provided that the portfolio is limited to direct
obligations issued by the United States of America, United States Government
agency obligations, United States Government instrumentalities or United States
Government sponsored enterprise obligations and to repurchase agreements fully
collateralized by the securities listed above for repurchase agreements.
C. Financial Terms of Loans
The following terms will be used for the purpose of making loans to the public water
systems within the State of Mississippi.
1. Funding Limit
Under state law, the Board has the discretion to set the maximum amount for
DWSIRLF loans. For FFY-2024 the Board has set a maximum loan amount of
$5,000,000 per borrower. The Board may allow (on a case-by-case basis if
requested by the borrower and the need has been justified) the maximum loan limit
to be exceeded by a vote of the Board. Furthermore, during FFY-2024, no more
than one loan per borrower will be allowed. At the end of the fiscal year, if funds
are available, systems previously receiving an award during FFY-2024 may obtain
an additional award(s) or an increase to a previous award, if no other eligible
systems are evident.
2. Interest Rate
All loan terms will be the lesser of 1.95% annual interest rate or the twenty-year
(20) triple-A rated, tax-exempt insured revenue bond yield published by fmsbonds,
Inc., compounded monthly, with a standard 20-year term. The maximum loan
amortization allowable will be 30 years, or 40 years for disadvantaged communities
(the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2018). These maximums may not,
however exceed the design life of the project. Interest will accrue based on the
current loan agreement in conjunction with the DWSIRLF Regulations.
3. Administration Fee
THIS IS NOT AN ADDITIONAL FEE TO OUR LOAN RECIPENTS. This
revenue is diverted from the interest portion of loan repayments to defray
administrative costs related to the program. The program will collect up to 5% of
the initial loan principal or the total amount of interest due over the life of the loan,
whichever is less, to defray administrative cost. This fee will be collected from the
interest portion of loan repayments on all FFY-2024 loans.
4. FFY-2024 Appropriation Special Provisions
The Federal 2024 appropriations bill has been finalized and the final EPA FFY-
2024 Cap Grant allotment amounts, and any additional federal requirements are
known. Subsidization requirements will be required for the FFY-2024 Cap Grant;
the subsidization is in the form of “principal forgiveness”, “negative interest rates”,
or a combination of the two. The amount of subsidization is a minimum of 26% of
the Cap Grant amount. The FFY-2024 Cap Grant is $5,837,000 and the
subsidization amount will be $1,517,620 (26%) of the Cap Grant amount.
Furthermore, all loans made with all or part FFY-2024 federal appropriation funds
will include the Davis-Bacon Act, American Iron and Steel, and BABA signage
requirements. Appropriate language will be added to all FFY-2024 loan
agreements identifying the additional responsibilities for loan recipients. “Green
Infrastructure” requirements are not an appropriation requirement. However, the
Program will continue to encourage those types of projects to seek funding from
the DWSIRLF.
5. Other Related Issues
a. Type of Assistance Provided: The assistance to be provided under the
DWSIRLF Program will be loans to public, tax-exempt entities which are
authorized under state law to collect, treat, store, and distribute piped water for
human consumption; able to enter into a DWSIRLF loan agreement; and have
the ability to repay the DWSIRLF loan. With the funds provided through the
FFY-2024 federal appropriation, the DWSIRLF program will be able to make
loans that will have an amount of “principal forgiveness”, if the loan recipient
is designated a disadvantaged community. To ensure that the assistance is
dispersed as far as possible, the Board has set a limit ($500,000) which a loan
recipient may receive in subsidy for one loan. When the mandatory 26%
subsidy requirements have not been met by awards, the Board may allow (on a
case-by-case basis if requested by the borrower and the need has been justified)
the limit to be exceeded by a vote of the Board. Once the limit of the
appropriation subsidy funds has been reached for FFY-2024, loans will return
to the DWSIRLF’s standard terms without principal forgiveness. In all cases,
loans will be for the construction of eligible drinking water production,
treatment, and distribution facilities.
b. Project Costs Eligibility: Eligible/allowable project costs will include those
costs that are eligible, reasonable, necessary, and allocable to the project, within
the established project scope and budget, in conformance with the DWSIRLF
regulations and approved by MSDH.
c. Loan Participation: DWSIRLF loan participation will be at 100% of eligible
project costs, less any funding made available from other agencies for these
same eligible project costs.
d. Pre-Award Costs: Project costs incurred prior to loan award will be DWSIRLF
loan eligible provided:
i.
The debt is for work under a construction contract for which the “Notice
to Proceed” was issued on or after October 1, 2024, and the DWSIRLF
loan is awarded by September 30, 2024.
ii.
The project is in compliance with all applicable DWSIRLF Program
regulations and obtains MSDH approval of all applicable documents
prior to award of the DWSIRLF loan.
iii.
The prospective loan recipient agrees that by incurring costs prior to
loan award, it proceeds at its own risk and relieves the Board, the
Department, and the Department’s staff of all responsibility and liability
should such costs later be determined unallowable for any reason or
should such funding not become available for any reason.
iv.
The prospective loan recipient agrees that by incurring costs prior to
loan award, no future commitment of funding a refinanced project is
provided.
e. Priority List: The FFY-2024 Priority List expires on September 30, 2024.
Projects listed in the FFY-2024 Priority List that do not receive funding by this
date will not be funded under the FFY-2024 funding cycle and will be subject
to the requirements of subsequent IUPs and Priority Lists. Detailed information
for the FFY-2024 DWSIRLF projects is shown in Section VIII of this IUP. To
facilitate the use of FFY-2024 federally appropriated funds, the priority list may
be adjusted to allow funds to be disbursed according to the federal requirements.
V.
Set-Aside Activities
The SDWA allows each state to set-aside up to 31 percent of its federal Cap grant to support
non-project-related drinking water programs which includes administration of the loan
program, technical assistance to public water systems, state program management, and
other special activities. The FFY-2024 EPA Capitalization Grant amount of $5,837,000,
the state plans to use $1,677,825 of the FFY-2024 Federal Capitalization grant to support
the non-project-related drinking water programs activities. The state plans to utilize
$4,300,572 of the BIL Supplemental Cap Grant amount for set-aside activities. These non-
project-related programs will be operated by MSDH within the agency itself or through
contracts with other agencies or organizations. Contracts between the MSDH and other
agencies or organizations will be approved by the Board. Work plans showing how the
set-asides funds will be expended are included as appendices within this IUP; additionally,
progress reports will be included in the Annual Report. The state has elected not to take
any additional set-asides from the FFY-2024 Local Assistance and Other State Programs
set-aside but reserves the right to make revisions to utilize additional funds from this set-
aside. See Appendix B for the funding breakdown of each category.
A. Administration
The SDWA-DWSRF amendments in the 2017 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the
Nation Act (Pub. L. 114-332) (2017 WIIN Act – EPA memorandum dated June 6, 2017)
states that the Administrative Set-Asides that can be taken (the greatest of: $400,000, 1/5
percent of the current valuation of the fund, or an amount equal to 4 percent of all grant
awards to the fund for the fiscal year). The State plans to use the maximum allowable for
"Administrative" purposes from the FFY2024 Cap Grant. The State also plans to use a
percentage for "Administrative" purposes from the FFY2024 BIL Supplemental Cap Grant.
Costs beyond this amount will be paid from the funds generated by the 5% administrative
fee taken from loan repayments.
The state will continue to exercise its right to reserve the administrative amounts from
previous Cap Grants. Reserving previous years’ 4% administrative set-aside can ensure
that the Program will continue to operate with an adequate DWSIRLF staff for proper
management of the Program.
B. Small System Technical Assistance
The state will use the Small Systems Technical Assistance (Up to 2%) set-aside from the
FFY-2024 Cap Grant and the BIL Supplemental Cap Grant to provide technical assistance
to public water systems serving areas with populations of 10,000 or less. With approval
by the Board, the state intends to use this set-aside to fund contracts for the following
activities: Special Technical Assistance to Referred Systems; Board Management Training
for Water System Officials; On-Site Technical Assistance; PEER Review Program; Hands-
on Operator Training; and Asset Management Training. Each of these activities is
described in detail in the State of Mississippi’s Small Systems Technical Assistance Set-
Aside Work Plan included as Appendix E to this IUP.
C. State Program Management
The state intends to utilize these funds which is allowed up to a 10% set-aside from the
FFY-2024 Cap grant, as authorized by Section 1452(g) (2) of the Safe Drinking Water Act
of 1996 for State Program Management. The funds will be used for Public Water System
Supervision (PWSS) activities conducted under Section 1443(a) of the Act. These
activities are described in more detail in the State of Mississippi’s State Program
Management Set-aside Annual Work Plan included as Appendix F to this IUP.
The SDWA-DWSRF amendments in the 2018 Water Infrastructure Improvements for the
Nation Act (Pub. L. 114-332) (2017 WIIN Act – EPA memorandum dated June 6, 2017)
removed the requirement for the State 1:1 match for the 10% State Program Management
set-aside.
D. Local Assistance and Other State Programs
The state intends to use (10%) of the 15% set-aside amount which is allowed from the
FFY-2024 Cap grant to provide funding for wellhead protection projects throughout the
state. These funds will be used to properly abandon inactive wells that pose a risk to
existing active public water supply source water wells, as well as the environment. See
Appendix G.
The state intends to use (10%) of the 15% BIL Supp set-aside amount which is allowed
from the FFY-2024 Cap grant to provide funding for consolidation and regionalization
projects throughout the state. These funds will be used to survey the State’s drinking water
system to identify, plan, and assist water systems in consolidation or regionalization to
create a more sustainable model that best serves the consumers of Mississippi’s drinking
water. See Appendix L.
VI.
Priority System
The SDWA provides the state with the flexibility to determine how to best utilize the Cap
grant. To meet the particular and unique issues facing the public water systems in
Mississippi, SDWA requirements allow states to give priority to those projects which:
1. address the most serious risk to human health.
2. are necessary to ensure compliance with the SDWA requirements.
3. assist systems most in need, on a per household basis.
A. Funding and Ranking Rationale
Projects will be placed on the fundable portion of the Priority List according to both priority
ranking and readiness to proceed. The term “ready to proceed” means that all loan
application requirements established in the Program regulations are met, and all documents
necessary for loan award are approved. If a project cannot reasonably be expected to meet
the Priority System deadlines, then the project will not be placed on the current year’s
Priority List but will be placed on the Planning List. It is the Board’s judgment with input
from the DWSIRLF staff as to when a project is ready to proceed. Loans will be awarded
to projects (within available funds) that are above the funding line on the current year’s
Priority List, that have met all Priority System deadlines and are ready to proceed.
Additionally, when potential loan recipients are deciding on the needs for their public water
supplies, they should ensure that all public health and state safe drinking water laws are
followed. If a state regulation becomes an additional requirement of Mississippi’s public
water supplies, appropriate planning and design of the project(s) will be necessary in order
to receive funding. However, if it is understood that a proposed project is designed to meet
specific SDWA compliance requirement(s) unrelated to a state requirement, the Board may
waive the state requirement upon request from the potential loan recipient. This waiver
would require concurrence from the Bureau of Public Water Supply.
1. Funding Lists and Bypass Procedure
Should any projects on the FFY-2024 Priority List (which are above the funding
line) fail to comply with the deadlines in Section D, the project shall be bypassed,
and the funds reserved for said project will be released. Released funds will first
be made available to listed projects, to ensure that all projects above the funding
line meeting priority system deadlines are funded. Any remaining funds will be
made available to the highest-ranking project(s) shown below the funding line that
is ready for loan award at the time funds become available. If no projects above
the funding line are ready for loan award at the time funds become available,
projects shown below the funding line will be funded on a first-come, first-served
basis as they become ready for loan award and until the released funds are awarded.
This same process will continue as each deadline passes and released funds become
available.
2. FFY-2024 Green Infrastructure Requirement
The FFY-2024 federal appropriation is not expected to require that a percentage of
the funds appropriated for the Revolving Funds be designated for projects that
exhibit the elements of green infrastructure, water efficiency improvements, energy
efficiency improvements or other environmentally innovative projects. However,
projects that wish to be classified in the following elements will be reported as
green infrastructure to the EPA through its “Project and Benefits Report Database”
and noted in the future annual report. Projects may exhibit one or more of the
“green” elements and the details of the project’s “green” content will be identified
in the business case required for each project if the recipient so chooses.
- Green infrastructure projects include a wide array of practices at multiple
scales; green infrastructure projects will manage wet weather and will maintain
and restore natural hydrology by infiltrating, evapotranspiring, and harvesting
and using storm water. On a regional scale, green infrastructure is the
preservation and restoration of natural landscape features, such as forests,
floodplains, and wetlands, coupled with policies such as infill and redevelopment
that reduce overall imperviousness in a watershed. On the local scale, it may
consist of site- and neighborhood-specific practices, such as bio-retention, trees,
green roofs, permeable pavements, and cisterns.
- Water efficiency projects are designed to use improved technologies and
practices to deliver equal or better services with less water. It encompasses
conservation and reuse efforts, as well as water loss reduction and prevention, to
protect water resources for the future.
- Energy efficiency projects are designed to use improved technologies and
practices to reduce the energy consumption of water projects, use energy in a
more efficient way, and/or produce/utilize renewable energy.
- Environmentally innovative projects include projects that demonstrate new
and/or innovative approaches to deliver services or manage water resources in a
more sustainable way.
Projects desiring to be classified as “green” will be judged for eligibility based on
the guidance supplied by the EPA and that is available at our website
www.healthyms.com/dwsrf. Systems desiring “Green Infrastructure” classification
will be required to present a “business case” establishing justification for the
classification request. Guidance for establishing a “business case” is available to
assist potential loan recipients in preparation of the documentation.
3. Loan Decreases
Any funds recovered from loan decreases during the year will be used:
a) first to fund bid overruns, if funds from the loan increase reserve are not
sufficient to cover the bid overruns;
b) then to ensure that all projects above the funding line meeting the priority
system deadlines are funded (for at least the amount shown on the priority list);
and
c) then to fund other loans and/or increases on a first-come, first-served basis.
Any funds not obligated for these purposes may be made available for new loan
awards ready to proceed on a first-come, first-served basis.
4. Match for Special Appropriations Project (SPAP) Grants
On October 10, 2001, EPA issued policy memorandum DWSRF 02-01 to notify
regions and states of a change in policy regarding the use of DWSRF monies for
providing local match for SPAP grants. This change in EPA policy will allow the
state to use non-federal, non-state match DWSIRLF funds to provide loans that can
be used as local match for SPAP grants awarded for drinking water projects.
These non-federal, non-state match DWSIRLF loan funds may be made available
to eligible SPAP grant recipients that are on the priority list for use as local match
funds for their SPAP grants, provided the grant is for loan eligible work. Such
projects will be funded in accordance with the Priority System and until all non-
federal, non-state match monies have been obligated or demand for such funds has
been met.
5. Subsidization from FFY-2024 Federal Appropriation
The FFY-2024 EPA Capitalization Grant mandates a minimum of 26% (12%
SDWA Disadvantaged Communities Subsidy + 14% Congressional Subsidy) and
maximum 49% (26% min + 23% discretionary SDWA Disadvantaged
Communities Subsidy) of the Grant be provided as additional subsidization to
disadvantaged communities. Based on the Grant of $5,837,000, a minimum of
$1,517,620 ($880,740 & 754,920) in subsidization is required. The DWSIRLF’s
subsidization will be in the form of “Principal Forgiveness” (PF) to individual
public water supplies that are considered disadvantaged communities, and which
received reimbursements with Federal Cap grant funds during the construction of
the project. If the amount of PF which a project is eligible exceeds the amount of
Federal Cap grant funds which it received, the amount of PF extended will be
limited to the amount of Federal Cap grant funds used for reimbursement.
Subsidization may be used over a two-year period. Subsidization remaining from
a previous year may be awarded to loans which are eligible for PF over a two-year
period. Subsidization for FFY-2024 may be awarded to projects eligible for PF in
FFY-2024 and FFY-2025.
Disadvantaged Community Program
a. DWSRF Capitalization Grant funds
During FFY-2024, the following Principal Forgiveness (PF) methodology will
be used to meet the requirements of both the America’s Water Infrastructure
Act of 2018, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, and Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 for providing subsidy for disadvantaged
systems. A minimum of 26% subsidy will be made available and up to 49% can
be subsidized to eligible recipients.
The amount of PF for which a potential “Loan Recipient” (LR) may be
eligible will be determined by calculating the percentage of the “Median
Household Income” (MHI) of the potential LR versus the MHI of the State of
Mississippi ($52,719) as a whole.
90% < LR MHI < 100%
- 15% Principal Forgiveness
80% < LR MHI < 90%
- 25% Principal Forgiveness
70% < LR MHI < 80%
- 35% Principal Forgiveness
LR MHI < 70%
- 45% Principal Forgiveness
PF will be extended to projects until all mandated subsidy funds are obligated.
Due to the limited amount of PF funds, the maximum amount of PF funds a
loan recipient may receive for a project will be set at $500,000. The amount of
PF given will be assigned at loan award after the project goes to the bid phase.
Once this happens, the amount of PF assigned can only change if the project’s
costs increase, PF is still available, PF assigned has not reached the specified
maximum, and the Board approves a waiver allowing additional subsidization.
Once subsidy funds are depleted, only standard loans will be made with
DWSIRLF funds.
In the event that a LR declines their loan that includes PF, the released PF may
be reallocated to other projects for the present fiscal year that are eligible for
PF, or the PF may be carried over to projects for the next fiscal year.
If returned PF funds are reallocated to projects awarded during the existing
fiscal year. The reallocation of PF will be given first to projects which did not
receive their full allowable amount based on the above table up to the maximum
allowed limit.
If all projects have received their full allowable amount, returned PF funds may
be reallocated to projects awarded PF during the existing fiscal year based on a
percentage of the individual LR’s initial loan amount to the total loan amount
of loans awarded PF during the fiscal year.
In all cases, the amount of PF which is awarded to a project may not exceed the
amount of Federal Cap grant funds which the project was reimbursed during
the construction of the project.
b. BIL Supplemental Funds
During FFY-2024, the following Principal Forgiveness (PF) methodology will
be used to meet the requirements of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
of 2021. The annual BIL Supplemental grant is to be subsidize at 49% with
those subsidies as assistance agreements of 100% principal forgiveness or
grants. Potential Loan Recipients ranked highest on the program’s Priority List
serving a population with a Median Household Income less than $52,719 (MS
MHI) will be eligible to receive 100% principal forgiveness loans to the extent
funding allows. The FFY 2024 BIL Supplemental allotment for the Program is
$28,785,000. The maximum principal forgiveness (49%) allowable to eligible
borrowers will be $14,104,650.
B.
Priority System Categories
Emergency Projects
The Project Priority List may be amended during the year for declarations of
emergencies designated by the Governor (pursuant to §33-15-11(b)(17)) or the State
Health Officer (pursuant to §41-26-1 et sec.). The emergency project must meet all
eligibility and loan requirements, but the additional public review and comment
requirement may be waived. Once an emergency has been declared and the project is
determined eligible, Emergency projects will take priority over all other project
categories. Any emergency project must be documented in the DWSRF Annual
Report and is subject to EPA oversight review.
Standard DWSRF Projects
Projects in Category I are funded each year to the extent funds are available. Projects
in Categories II through XI are ranked in priority order; that is, all Category II projects
are ranked higher than Category III projects, etc. Ranking is established in like manner
through all remaining categories. Adjustments are made as necessary to comply with
small community set-aside provisions of the Federal SDWA and as established by the
Board [Section 1542(a) (2) of SDWA]. As stated previously, the order of Categories
II - XI is intended to give highest priority to those projects that address the most serious
risks to human health. Projects within each category will be ranked as described in
Section C.
1. Category I - Segmented Projects
This category of projects includes any remaining segments of projects that
previously received funding for an integral portion of that project and are necessary
for the entire project to be functional. Projects will be funded under this category
in order of their regular priority ranking provided they meet the deadlines
established in Section D.
In order to maintain continuity, the Board intends to make some amount of funds
available for each ongoing-segmented project. Preference in the amount of funds
to be provided will be given to the projects that received the earliest loan award for
their initial segment.
2. Category II - Previous Year Certified Projects
Priority for this category will be given to the previous year Category II projects to
the maximum extent practicable. This category of projects includes projects that:
(1) were listed immediately below the funding line on the previous year’s Priority
List within an amount of approximately 25% of that year’s total available funds;
(2) met all Priority System deadlines in the previous fiscal year; and (3) were not
funded due to lack of DWSIRLF funds or did not receive an assurance of CDBG,
ARC, RUS, or other match funding in the previous fiscal year. Within this
category, projects will be ranked according to the current Priority Ranking Criteria.
3. Category III - Primary Drinking Water Standards
This category includes projects to facilitate compliance with Primary Drinking
Water Standards. To qualify for this category, projects must correct deficiencies
resulting in non-compliance with the primary drinking water standards. Depending
on the nature of the project, additional treatment requirements may be necessary as
part of the proposed project.
4. Category IV - One Well
This category includes projects to provide additional water supply to systems that
have neither a backup well nor an MSDH-approved emergency tie-in to another
system to ensure safe drinking water; thereby protecting the health of the existing
population. Depending on the nature of the project, additional treatment
requirements may be necessary as part of the proposed project.
5. Category V – Pressure Deficiencies
This category includes projects to correct documented deficiencies that result in
existing systems routinely failing to maintain minimum acceptable dynamic
pressure. Experience has shown that failure of water systems to maintain
minimum acceptable dynamic pressure is the major cause of system
contamination in Mississippi. System contamination that results from inadequate
water system pressure is considered by the MSDH to be one of the most serious
drinking water-related threats to public health in Mississippi.
6. Category VI - Source Water Protection Projects
This category includes projects to manage potential sources of
contaminants/pollutants and/or prevent contaminants/pollutants from reaching
sources of drinking water. To be eligible for loan participation, potential
contaminants/pollutants and source water protection areas must have been
identified in the public water systems source water assessment plan report (swapr)
prepared by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality’s Groundwater
Planning Branch (deq-gpb). If the public water system has not received its swapr
from the deq-gpb yet, or has documentation that may change its swap, it shall
provide in the facilities plan suitable documentation of potential sources of
contaminants/pollutants that is acceptable to the deq-gpb before the project will
be deemed eligible.
The projects will be ranked: first in order of the highest source water
classification that would be negatively impacted by source water contaminants;
secondly, within each classification in order of the public water systems
susceptibility assessment ranking as determined by the deq-gpb; and thirdly,
within each susceptibility assessment ranking in order of the highest number of
connections served by the public water system. Source water classifications will
be ranked in the following order: surface water sources; shallow (generally ≤ 300’
in depth) unconfined water wells; shallow (generally ≤ 300’ in depth) confined
water wells; and deep confined water wells.
7. Category VII - System Capacity Expansion to Serve Existing Unserved
Residences/Businesses
This category includes projects to either expand existing system capacity or
construct a new drinking water system to ensure safe drinking water (source,
treatment and/or distribution) to serve existing residences/businesses in currently
unserved areas.
8. Category VIII - Back-up Water Supply Sources Projects
This category includes projects to provide additional supply to systems with
insufficient back-up water supply sources to ensure safe drinking water, and
thereby protect the health of the existing population. As a minimum, a system using
ground water should be able to lose any one of the wells supplying the system and
still maintain minimum acceptable dynamic pressure throughout the entire system.
9. Category IX – Existing Facilities Upgrades (Meeting Primary Standards)
This category includes projects to rehabilitate, replace, protect or upgrade
deteriorated, worn, aged or obsolete equipment, facilities, etc., to assure continued,
dependable operation of water systems where such systems are already meeting
Primary Drinking Water Standards. Depending on the nature of the project,
additional treatment requirements may be necessary as part of the proposed project.
10. Category X - Fluoride Addition
This category is for projects that either rehabilitate existing fluoride treatment
facilities at well or treatment plant sites or add new facilities to existing well or
treatment plants.
11. Category XI - Secondary Drinking Water Standards Projects
This category includes projects to provide treatment that brings systems into
compliance with Secondary Drinking Water Regulations. Depending on the nature
of the project, additional treatment requirements may be necessary as part of the
proposed project.
12. Category XII – Consolidation Projects
This category includes projects to consolidate separate systems into a single system
for purposes other than those related to Categories II through IX. Consolidation
will also be considered in establishing priority ranking within all categories, as
described in the Priority Ranking Criteria in Section C.
13. Category XIII – Other
This category includes projects that do not meet the criteria of any other listed
category and have been determined loan eligible in accordance with the DWSIRLF
loan program regulations.
C. Priority Ranking Criteria
The criteria for ranking Standard DWSRF projects within each category is intended to give
priority to projects that: (1) benefit the most people per dollar expended; (2) assist systems
most in need on a per household affordability basis as required by the SDWA (3) use
consolidation with other systems to correct existing deficiencies and improve management;
(4) take into consideration the system’s current capacity; (5) encourage participation in
short-term and long-term technical assistance programs; and (6) encourage an Asset
Management Plan participation in the Drinking Water Needs Survey. These considerations
are addressed by the Priority Ranking Criteria in the following manner:
1. Benefit/Cost
Benefit/Cost points assigned to each project will be determined using the following
formula:
Benefit/Cost Points
=
Number of benefiting connections
Total eligible cost of improvements (in $1.0 millions)
The number of benefiting connections must be included in the facilities plan
submitted by the applicant; be defined as the sum of individual connections
currently experiencing deficiencies that will be corrected by the improvement;
and include only existing residences, businesses, and public buildings. Applicants
must furnish information (including hydraulic analysis, if necessary) to support
their estimate of the number of benefiting connections. The total eligible cost is in
millions of dollars (i.e., $800,000 = $0.8 M).
2. Affordability Factor
An affordability factor will be assigned to each project to reflect the relative needs
of applicants on a per household basis. The Benefit/Cost points calculated in
Section C.1. will be adjusted using the affordability factor in the following formula:
Adjusted Benefit/Cost Points = (Affordability Factor) x (Benefit/Cost Points)
The affordability factor used in the calculation is defined as the ratio of the “Median
Household Income” (MHI) for the State of Mississippi ($52,719) to the MHI for
the affected community. The affordability factor used in the calculation will be no
less than 1.0 and no greater than 1.5.
3. Consolidation
Any project that includes consolidation (ownership and management) of separate
existing systems into a single system will receive consolidation points equal to 0.5
times the Adjusted Benefit/Cost points assigned to the project. The purpose of
assigning consolidation points is to promote reliability, efficiency and economy of
scale that can be achieved with larger water systems while discouraging the
proliferation of numerous separate small systems with their inherent inefficiencies
and limitations. Projects, in any priority category, that do not include consolidation
will receive zero consolidation points in the final calculation of total priority points.
Consolidation Points = 0.5 x (Adjusted Benefit/Cost Points)
4. System Capacity
Any project that includes scope of work to address critical design capacity issues
(systems that are currently overloaded or within two (2) years of reaching their
current design capacity, as determined by MSDH) will receive additional priority
points equal to 25% of the Adjusted Benefit/Cost points assigned to the project.
Documentation of the system capacity analysis and recommendations to address
the design capacity issues must be addressed in the facilities plan to be eligible for
these additional priority points.
System Capacity Points = 0.25 x (Adjusted Benefit/Cost Points)
5. Participation in Short-Term & Long-Term Assistance Programs
The MSDH, with the Board’s approval, has contracted with Mississippi State
University Extension Service to provide both short-term and long-term assistance
to designated water systems in the state based on their scores on the latest Capacity
Assessment Form (CAF). This assistance is provided at no cost to the water
systems.
Participation by the water systems in these assistance programs is voluntary;
however, any water system that has participated in either of these assistance
programs within the past two years will be eligible to receive additional priority
points equal to 5% of their Adjusted Benefit/Cost Points. Water systems that have
implemented all the recommendations made by Mississippi State University
Extension Service will receive additional priority points equal to 5% of their
Adjusted Benefit/Cost Points for a total of 10%. Documentation of participation in
either of these assistance programs and implementation of the recommendations
made by Mississippi State University Extension Service must be included in the
facilities plan before additional priority points will be granted.
Assistance Points = ** x (Adjusted Benefit/Cost Points)
** 5% if the water system participates in the assistance, or 10% if the
water system participates in the assistance and implements all
recommendations
6. Asset Management Plan
Any water system certifying and providing support of their Asset Management
Plan’s implementation or maintenance to MSDH will be eligible to receive
additional priority points equal to 10% of their Adjusted Benefit/Cost Points.
Asset Management Plan = 0.10 x (Adjusted Benefit/Cost Points)
7. Ranking Within Each Category
Within each category, projects will be ranked in order based on the total points
assigned the project using the following formula:
Total Priority Points = Adjusted Benefit/Cost Points + Consolidation Points +
System Capacity Points + Assistance Program Points + Needs Survey Points
Projects receiving the most priority points will be given the highest ranking on the
Priority List. In case of a tie in the number of priority points, projects with the
lowest median household income will receive the highest ranking.
8. Small Community Set-Aside
Following completion of the ranking process, the Priority List will be reviewed to
determine if at least 15% of available funding for projects above the funding line is
for public water systems which regularly serve fewer than 5,000 people, which the
Board has defined as a small community for the purposes of this set-aside. If this
is not the case, the Priority List will be adjusted by exchanging the lowest ranking
projects above the funding line that serve 5,000 or more with the highest-ranking
projects below the funding line that serve fewer than 5,000, until the 15%
requirement is satisfied.
D. Priority System Deadlines
1. By October 2, 2023, a complete DWSIRLF facilities plan, prepared in accordance
with the DWSIRLF loan program regulations, must be submitted to MSDH.
A complete DWSIRLF facilities plan includes: all Intergovernmental Review
(IGR) agency comments; proof of publication of advertisement for public hearing;
a transcript of the public hearing comments; copies of any comments received from
the public; and a summary of how each comment was addressed. The loan
applicant should provide a copy of the facilities plan to USDA - Rural Utilities
Service (RUS); if the loan applicant has an existing debt with RUS, their approval
to incur the additional debt must be obtained and provided as part of the plan.
Any significant changes made to the facilities plan (i.e., changes in the chosen
alternative location of the facility, cost increases that substantially affect the
financial capability of the loan recipient) after this date will be considered a first
submittal of the facilities plan. The loan applicant will then be in violation of the
Priority System deadline and the project will be placed on the planning portion of
the priority list. If the change is made after adoption of the IUP, funds reserved for
this project may be released and made available to other projects.
This deadline also applies to all projects competing for released funds during FFY-
2024 and to be able to qualify for the Previous Year Certified Projects Category in
the next FFY’s IUP.
2. By May 1, 2024, a completed DWSIRLF loan application and all associated
documents as described in the DWSIRLF regulations must be submitted to the
Department. Prior to preparing these documents, the potential applicant and/or its
registered engineer must request and receive a DWSIRLF application and
guidance. It is recommended that they request a pre-application conference with
DWSIRLF staff as early in the application process as practical. This deadline also
applies to all projects competing for released funds during FFY-2024 and to be able
to qualify for the Previous Year Certified Projects Category in the next FFY’s IUP.
3. By August 1, 2024, all approvable documents and responses to comments necessary
for loan award must be submitted to the Department for its review and approval.
This deadline also applies to all projects competing for released funds during FFY-
2024 and to be able to qualify for the Previous Year Certified Projects Category in
the next FFY’s IUP.
VII. FFY-2024 PRIORITY LIST
FINAL
Fiscal Year - 2024 Mississippi Drinking Water Systems Improvements
Revolving Loan Fund Program Priority List
Project
Project Title
Zip
Priority Service Area
Eligible
Loan Amount
Statewide
Code
Points
Population
PF Amount
Requested
Cum. $
Category III: Primary Drinking Water Standards Projects
Clayton Village Water Association
New Well, Elevated Tank, Water Mains
39759
$500,000
$4,971,000
$4,971,000
Category IV: One Well Projects
City Point Water Association
Consolidation
38862
$500,000
$4,133,630
$9,104,630
Category V: Pressure Deficiencies Projects
Evergreen Water Association
Pressure Deficiencies
39043
10127
$0
$190,000
$9,294,630
Star Water Company
Pressure Deficiencies
39167
$30,000
$200,000
$9,494,630
Mound Bayou, City of
Pressure Deficiencies
38762
$382,500
$850,000
$10,344,630
Category VII: System Capacity Expansion to Serve Existing Unserved Residences/Businesses
G.T.&Y Utility District
Service to New Area/ Capacity Improvements
38901
$500,000
$4,334,067
$14,678,697
Shuqualak, Town of
Extending Public Water Service to Unserved Areas
39361
$500,000
$2,844,000
$17,522,697
Harrison Co. Utility Authority
Service to Existing Unserved Areas
39503
$360,000
$2,477,550
$20,000,247
Category VIII: Back-up Water Supply Sources Projects
Meridian, City of
New Well
39301
36347
$500,000
$6,699,116
$26,699,363
Cason Water Association
Surface Water Connection
38858
$435,575
$1,244,500
$27,943,863
Mt. Olivet Water Association
New Well/Paint Elevated Tank
38606
$129,010
$516,040
$28,459,903
Category IX: Existing Facilities Upgrade (Meeting Primary Standards)
Clarkdale Water Association
SCADA Upgrade
39301
11242
$500,000
$2,158,032
$30,617,935
Hernando, City of
Treatment Plant Upgrades and Distribution Impro
38632
15000
$0
$931,000
$31,548,935
Clarksdale Public Utilities
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39814
17962
$500,000
$2,375,000
$33,923,935
Philadelphia Utilities
Rehab Water Plant
39350
$500,000
$1,723,000
$35,646,935
N.E. Itawamba Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38847
$364,725
$810,500
$36,457,435
Pearl, City of
New Elevated Water Tank
39208
26500
$0
$4,800,000
$41,257,435
Project
Project Title
Zip
Priority Service Area
Eligible
Loan Amount
Statewide
Code
Points
Population
PF Amount
Requested
Cum. $
------FUNDING LINE------
Brookhaven, City of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39206
12500
$500,000
$3,870,350
$45,127,785
Magee, City of
Rehab Existing Facilities
39111
$303,450
$867,000
$45,994,785
Alcorn Co. Water Association
Renovate Elevated tanks/Replace Water Lines
38834
$500,0000
$2,146,021
$48,140,806
Midway Community Water Association
Distribution Improvements
39039
$279,000
$620,000
$48,760,806
Hattiesburg, City of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39403
41951
$500,000
$5,000,000
$53,760,806
Bay St. Louis, City of
New Elevated Storage Tank
39520
$500,000
$3,016,250
$56,777,056
Hancock County Water & Sewer District
New 250,000 gallon Elevated Storage Tank
39556
$500,000
$4,968,114
$61,745,170
Clarksdale Public Utilities
Replacing Wells and Distribution
39814
17962
$500,000
$15,110,000
$76,855,170
Union, City of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39365
$460,013
$3,066,750
$79,921,920
Mooreville-Richmond Water Association
Tie-in/ Distribution Improvements
38857
107880
$500,000
$11,350,000
$91,271,920
Bay St. Louis, City of
Distribution Improvements
39250
$500,000
$5,429,250
$96,701,170
Magnolia, City of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39652
$500,000
$2,798,860
$99,500,030
Jumpertown ,Town of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38829
$500,000
$2,458,600
$101,958,630
Raymond, City of
Replace Water Mains/Hydrants/Rehab Storage Tank
39154
$360,000
$2,400,000
$104,358,630
Crawford, Town of
Elevated Tank Rehabilitation
39743
$500,000
$2,086,400
$106,445,030
Stonewall, Town of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39363
$500,000
$3,300,725
$109,745,755
North District One Water Association
New Well
38967
$500,000
$2,000,000
$111,745,755
Hickory, Town of
New Well/ Elevated Tank/ Pipe Extension
39332
$500,000
$4,629,771
$116,375,526
Crenshaw, Town of
Elevated Storage Tank, Distribution Improvements
38621
$500,000
$3,169,810
$119,545,336
Eskridge Rose Hill Water Association
Emergency Tie-In
38925
$500,000
$1,500,000
$121,045,336
Kiln Utility & Fire District
Replace 2 Miles of Waterline
39556
$500,000
$4,474,250
$125,519,586
Poplar Springs Water District
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39114
$500,000
$4,534,031
$130,053,617
Okalona, City of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38860
$500,000
$2,592,250
$132,645,867
Category XIII: Other
Verona, City of
New Generator
38879
18098
$54,900
$122,000
$132,767,867
Notes: See section VI.B. of this document for more details. Applications exceeding a loan request of $5,000,000 require further approval by the Board. See section IV.C.1 of this document.
The “Eligible PF Amount” listed here is based on the process outlined for the base cap grant allotment (Section VI.A.5a). Potential Loan Recipients ranked highest on the program’s
Priority List serving a population with a Median Household Income less than $52,719 (MS MHI) will be eligible to receive BIL funding that allows for 100% principal forgiveness loans
to the extent funding allows (Section VI.A.5b).
The Funding line was set to conform with the program’s SFY 2025 budget authority ($45,000,000).
FFY-2024 Planning List
FINAL
Fiscal Year - 2025 and After Planning List
Mississippi Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund Program
Projects included on the Planning List did not meet all submission deadlines, are not projected to be ready to proceed during the FFY, or had multiple requests and
asked to be placed on the Planning List. These projects have been ranked on the Planning List based on information provided on the submitted Request for Ranking Form.
A determination of a project’s program eligibility cannot be completed until the facilities plan has been submitted and reviewed.
Project
Project Title
Zip
Priority Service Area
Eligible
Loan Amount
Loan Amount
Code
Points
Population
PF Amount
Requested
Cumulative
Category III: Primary Drinking Water Standards Projects
Smithville, Town of
Water Treatment Plant Repair
38870
$0
$142,636
$142,636
Edwards, Town of
New Charcoal Filtration System
39066
$0
$2,685,000
$2,827,636
Category IV: One Well Projects
Winterville Water Association
New Water Well
38703
$456,435
$1,014,300
$3,841,936
Falcon, Town of
Back-up Well, Distribution Improvements
38670
$500,000
$1,998,676
$5,840,612
Category VII: System Capacity Expansion to Serve Existing Unserved Residences/Businesses
Bernard Bayou Industrial District
Paint 2 Elevated Storage Tanks
39503
$0
$354,675
$6,195,287
Jackson Co. Utility Authority
Expansion to Unserved Area/ Consolidation
39567
12000
$0
$5,000,000
$11,195,287
Category VIII: Back-up Water Supply Sources Projects
Aberdeen, Town of
400 P Well/100,000 Gal. Elev.Tank/Rehab Lines
39730
$500,000
$1,481,949
$12,677,236
Eupora, City of
New Water Well
39744
$308,250
$1,233,000
$13,910,236
Central Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39350
20143
$0
$11,370,738
$25,280,974
Braxton, Town of
Construction of New Well
39044
$0
$819,000
$26,099,974
Category IX: Existing Facilities Upgrade (Meeting Primary Standards)
CS&I Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39150
$0
$80,000
$26,179,974
Highway 28 Water Association
Distribution Improvements
39111
$36,750
$105,000
$26,284,974
Crystal Springs, City of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39059
$138,880
$396,800
$26,681,774
Carthage, City of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39051
$255,150
$567,000
$27,248,774
Natchez Water Works
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39121
15792
$500,000
$3,250,000
$30,498,774
Central Yazoo Water Association
Elevated Water Tank & SCADA Upgrades
39194
$0
$1,500,000
$31,998,774
West Tallahatchie Utilities Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38966
$0
$1,643,067
$33,641,841
Bassfield, Town of
Well Rehabilitation
39241
$0
$332,718
$33,974,559
Clinton, City of
New Well/ Distribution Improvements
39056
28100
$435,000
$4,084,100
$38,058,659
Project
Project Title
Zip
Priority Service Area
Eligible
Loan Amount
Loan Amount
Code
Points
Population
PF Amount
Requested
Cumulative
Bear Creek Water Association
Replace Tank With New 2 Mil Gal Tank
39046
45000
$0
$4,890,000
$42,948,659
Sunnyhill Water Association
New 500 gpm Well/ Booster Station/ Water Main
39649
$0
$1,500,000
$44,448,659
Webb, Town of
Repair/Rehab Water Tank
38966
$105,840
$235,200
$44,683,859
Lewisburg Water Association
New Treatment Plant/ New 500,000 gallon Well
38654
$0
$2,683,000
$47,366,859
Crystal Springs, City of
Water System Improvements
39059
$500,000
$1,931,368
$49,298,227
Canton Municipal Utilities
Water System Improvements
39046
$500,000
$2,825,000
$52,123,227
H&H Water System, Inc.
Distribution Improvements
39080
$367,500
$1,050,000
$53,173,227
Hattiesburg, City of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39403
45951
$500,000
$15,000,000
$68,173,227
Isola, Town of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38754
$209,250
$465,000
$68,638,227
Batesville, City of
New Well/ Storage Tank
38606
$500,000
$4,482,780
$73,121,007
Casey Jones Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39179
$405,000
$900,000
$74,021,007
Shannon, Town of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38868
$0
$1,079,325
$75,100,332
Metcalfe, Town of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38760
$424,125
$942,500
$76,042,832
Bolton, Town of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39041
$118,188
$337,681
$76,380,513
Quitman, City of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39355
$500,000
$2,613,060
$78,993,573
Harland Creek Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39095
$500,000
$2,484,300
$81,477,873
Acona Water Assocaiation
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39095
$500,000
$1,419,800
$82,897,673
East Madison Water Association
Distribution Improvements
39046
$500,000
$5,000,000
$87,897,673
Poorhouse Water Association
New Main, Distribution Improvements
38902
$0
$2,543,800
$90,441,473
Mendenhall, City of
New 500 GPM Well/250,000 Gal Tank/Treatment Plant
39114
$500,000
$2,634,100
$93,075,573
Topisaw Creek Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39662
$477,750
$3,185,000
$96,260,573
Greenville, City of
Rehab Facilities
38701
30000
$500,000
$40,000,000 $136,260,573
Looxahoma Water Association
Distribution Improvement/ AMR Upgrade
38668
$0
$500,000 $136,760,573
Youngs Water & Sewer District
New 100,000 Gal. Elevated Storage Tank
38922
$0
$1,055,673 $137,816,246
Lake Eddins
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39347
$500,000
$1,369,941 $139,186,187
Big Field Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38646
$383,426
$852,057 $140,038,244
Paynes Water Association
Rehab Existing Facilities
38921
$0
$917,061 $140,955,305
Lumberton, City of
Replace Existing Water Lines/Mains
39455
$500,000
$3,453,197 $144,408,502
Fannin Water Association
New 300,000 Gal Tank
39047
$0
$3,372,320 $147,780,822
Morton, City of
New Well/ New Water Mains/ Rehab Tank
39117
$0
$7,000,000 $154,780,822
Mize, Town of
New Well
39116
$0
$737,000 $155,517,822
East Leflore Water & Sewer District
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38930
$500,000
$11,168,871 $166,686,693
Cross-Roads Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38916
$500,000
$3,057,336 $169,744,029
Hatten Water Association
New Facility, New Well, New Water Mains
39168
$500,000
$2,304,648 $172,048,677
Project
Project Title
Zip
Priority Service Area
Eligible
Loan Amount
Loan Amount
Code
Points
Population
PF Amount
Requested
Cumulative
Highway 98 East Water Association
Replace Approx. 50,000 LF Water Mains
39429
$500,000
$1,220,000 $173,268,677
Pachuta, Village of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
39347
$426,665
$948,145 $174,216,822
Starkville, City of
Replace Existing Water Main
39759
25339
$0
$1,850,000 $176,066,822
McCarley Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38943
$0
$2,394,289 $178,461,111
Sardis, City of
Distribution Improvements
38666
$500,000
$1,788,550 $180,249,661
Neely Utilities
New Storage/ Extend to Unserved Area
39461
$0
$1,343,992 $181,593,653
Winterville Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38703
$233,100
$518,000 $182,111,653
South Newton Rural Water Association
Rehab Treatment Plant
39345
$0
$7,191,247 $189,302,900
Cleaveland, City of
Rehab Existing Facilities
38732
12000
$500,000
$2,114,701 $191,417,601
Pittsboro, Town of
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38951
$0
$4,055,512 $195,473,113
Morgan City Water Association
Rehab/ Replacement of Existing Facilities
38946
$0
$1,552,953 $197,026,066
Lake Water Works
Tank Rehab, New Water Mains
39092
$0
$3,300,400 $200,326,466
Mount Olive, Town of
New Water Treatment Plant
39119
$0
$2,000,000 $202,326,466
Valley Park Water Association
Water System Improvements
39177
$175,077
$500,221 $202,826,687
Harrison Co. Utility Authority
Distribution Improvements
39503
$500,000
$6,950,000 $209,776,687
Category XII: Consolidation Projects
Jackson Co. Utility Authority
Consolidation
39567
75000
$0
$31,750,000 $241,526,687
Jackson Co. Utility Authority
Consolidation
39567
75000
$0
$1,270,000 $242,796,687
Jackson Co. Utility Authority
Consolidation
39567
$0
$279,400 $243,076,087
Jackson Co. Utility Authority
Consolidation
39567
12000
$0
$2,540,000 $245,616,087
Note: See section VI.B. of this document for more details. Applications exceeding $5,000,000 amount require further approval by the Board. See section IV.C.1 of this document.
VIII.
EXPECTED PUBLIC HEALTH OUTCOMES & PERFORMANCE
MEASURES
The objective of this program is to disperse all available loan and grant funds in a timely
manner to achieve the public health protection benefits resulting from the projects
identified in the FFY-2024 IUP, and to ensure compliance with loan agreements, as
required by state and federal laws and regulations.
By implementing the FFY-2024 IUP and funding projects shown on the FFY-2024 Priority
List (Section VII), the Board will have the means to plan for and fund projects that will
address the most serious public health risks facing the public water supply systems in the
state. Funding of the system projects will be determined by the amount of funding to be
received for FFY-2024.
The success of the DWSIRLF Program will be defined by the ability of the MSDH to
successfully meet commitments in the FFY-2024 DWSRF Work Plan.
Additionally, the majority of the projects as proposed should have minimal impact on the
environment due to the nature of their design. Where necessary, appropriate environmental
reviews will occur and proper permitting through the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality will be required to ensure minimal impact on the environment.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENTS REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
ANTICIPATED FUNDS REPORT - July 1, 2024
FFY-2024 (OCT. 1, 2023 - SEPT. 30, 2024)
Funding (Federal and State)
National Title I DWSRF Appropriation - Mississippi's Allotment
+
$5,837,000
State Match Required (20% of Mississippi's Allotment)
+
$1,167,400
SRF Supplemental Allotment
+
$28,785,000
State Match Required (20% of Mississippi's Allotment)
+
$5,757,000
Wyoming 2021 Reallotment
+
$30,000
State Match Required (20% WYs Reallotment)
+
$6,000
Capitalization Grant for DWSRF w BIL Supplemental
=
$41,582,400
State Match Status
State Match Required
+
$6,924,400
Legislated State Match (HB))
-
$7,670,600
Remaining State Match Required
=
$740,200
Cap Grant Set-Asides
DWSRF Administrative Expenses [SDWA Sec. 1452(g)(2) - 4%]
+
$402,873
Small Systems Technical Assistance [SDWA Sec. 1452(g)(2) - 2%]
+
$112,407
Local Assistance and Other State Program [SDWA Sec. 1452(k)(2) - 15%]
+
$583,700
State Program Management [SDWA Sec. 1452(g)(2) -10%]
+
$570,845
BIL Administrative Expenses [SDWA Sec. 1452(g)(2) - 4%]
+
$495,112
BIL Small Systems Technical Assistance [SDWA Sec. 1452(g)(2) - 2%]
+
$77,425
BIL Local Assistance and Other State Program [SDWA Sec. 1452(k)(2) - 15%]
+
$2,636,800
BIL State Program Management [SDWA Sec. 1452(g)(2) -10%]
+
$1,091,235
Total Cap Grant Set-Asides
=
$5,970,397
Cap Grant Funds Available for Loan Obligation
DWSRF Capitalization & BIL Supplemental Grants
+
$41,546,400
Cap Grant Set-asides
-
($1,677,825)
BIL Supplemental Set-asides
-
($4,300,572)
Total Cap Grant Funds Available for Loan Obligation
=
$35,612,003
Funds Anticipated to be Available for Loan Awards
Cap Grant Federal and State Funds Anticipated to be Available for Loan Obligation
+
$35,612,003
Unobligated Funds Carried Over from FFY-2022
+
$21,774,897
Loan Repayments (P&I) Deposited to the Fund
10/01/23 - 09/30/24
+
$14,865,535
Interest Earned on Deposits to the Fund
10/01/22 - 06/30/23
+
$2,578,939
Loan Increase Reserve
-
($2,000,000.00)
Total Funds Anticipated to be Available for Loan Awards
=
$72,831,374
APPENDIX B - PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF OUTLAYS
FOR CAPITALIZATION GRANT SET-ASIDES
FFY 2023 Cap Grant & BIL Supplemental
Federal Set-Asides
FFY 2023 Q1
FFY 2023 Q2
FFY 2023 Q3
FFY 2023 Q4
Totals
Administrative
$101,449
$101,449
$101,449
$101,449
$405,797
$124,526
$124,526
$124,526
$124,526
$498,102
Small System Tech Assist.
$35,474
$35,474
$35,474
$35,474
$141,898
$7,438
$7,438
$7,438
$7,438
$29,750
Local Asst. & Other St. Programs
$187,500
$187,500
$187,500
$187,500
$750,000
$483,200
$483,200
$483,200
$483,200
$1,932,800
State Program Management.
$188,600
$188,600
$188,600
$188,600
$754,400
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
Base Cap. Grant Total:
$513,024
$513,024
$513,024
$513,024
$2,052,095
BIL Supplemental Cap. Grant Total:
$615,163
$615,163
$615,163
$615,163
$2,460,652
Total:
$1,128,187
$1,128,187
$1,128,187
$1,128,187
$4,512,747
FFY 2024 Cap Grant & BIL Supplemental
Federal Set-Asides
FFY 2024
Q1
FFY 2024
Q2
FFY 2024
Q3
FFY 2024
Q4
Totals
Administrative
$102,718
$102,718
$102,718
$102,718
$402,873
$123,778
$123,778
$123,778
$123,778
$495,112
Small System Tech Assist.
$28,102
$28,102
$28,102
$28,102
$112,407
$19,356
$19,356
$19,356
$19,356
$77,425
Local Asst. & Other St. Programs
$145,925
$145,925
$145,925
$145,925
$583,700
$659,200
$659,200
$659,200
$659,200
$2,636,800
State Program Management
$142,711
$142,711
$142,711
$142,711
$570,845
$272,809
$272,809
$272,809
$272,809
$1,091,235
Base Cap. Grant Total:
$419,456
$419,456
$419,456
$419,456
$1,677,825
BIL Supplemental Cap. Grant Total:
$1,075,143
$1,075,143
$1,075,143
$1,075,143
$4,300,572
Total:
$1,494,599
$1,494,599
$1,494,599
$1,494,599
$5,970,397
Appendix C - Projected Payment (Federal Letter of Credit) Schedule
(Schedule of Increases to ACH Ceiling)
FFY-2023
FFY-2023
Cap Grant
No. 1 of 4
1st Quarter
FFY-2024
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$6,728,000
FFY-2023
Cap Grant
No. 2 of 4
2nd Quarter
FFY-2024
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$3,772,000
$9,684,000
$13,456,000
FFY-2023
Cap Grant
No. 3 of 4
3rd Quarter
FFY-2024
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$5,658,000
$14,526,000
$20,184,000
FFY-2023
Cap Grant
No. 4 of 4
4th Quarter
FFY-2024
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$7,544,000
$19,368,000
$26,912,000
FFY-2024
FFY-2024
1st Quarter
$1,459,250
$1,459,250
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
$7,196,250
$7,196,250
No. 1 of 4
$8,655,500
FFY-2024
2nd Quarter
$1,459,250
$2,918,500
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
$7,196,250
$14,392,500
No. 2 of 4
$17,311,000
FFY-2024
3rd Quarter
$1,459,250
$4,377,750
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
$7,196,250
$21,588,750
No. 3 of 4
$25,966,500
FFY-2024
4th Quarter
$1,459,250
$5,837,000
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
$7,196,250
$28,785,000
No. 4 of 4
$34,622,000
Amount
Cumulative
FFY-2021
1st Quarter
$0
$0
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
FFY-2021
2nd Quarter
$30,000
$30,000
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
FFY-2021
3rd Quarter
$0
$30,000
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
FFY-2021
4th Quarter
$0
$30,000
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
APPENDIX D - PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF DRAWDOWNS AGAINST FEDERAL
LETTER OF CREDIT
(ACH DRAW SCHEDULE)
FFY-2023
Outlay
Quarter
Federal Outlay
Amount
Cumulative Outlay
Amount
1st Quarter
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$6,728,000
2nd Quarter
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$3,772,000
$9,684,000
$13,456,000
3rd Quarter
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$5,658,000
$14,526,000
$20,184,000
4th Quarter
$1,886,000
$4,842,000
$7,544,000
$19,368,000
$26,912,000
FFY-2024
Quarter
Federal Outlay Amount
Cumulative Outlay Amount
1st Quarter
$1,459,250
$1,459,250
$7,196,250
$7,196,250
2nd Quarter
$1,459,250
$2,918,500
$7,196,250
$14,392,500
3rd Quarter
$1,459,250
$4,377,750
$7,196,250
$21,588,750
4th Quarter
$1,459,250
$5,837,000
$7,196,250
$28,785,000
$34,622,000
Amount
Cumulative
FFY-2021
1st Quarter
$0
$0
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
FFY-2021
2nd Quarter
$30,000
$30,000
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
FFY-2021
3rd Quarter
$0
$30,000
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
FFY-2021
4th Quarter
$0
$30,000
Cap Grant
FFY-2025
APPENDIX E - MISSISSIPPI SMALL SYSTEMS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
SET-ASIDE WORK PLAN
INTRODUCTION
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Public Water Supply
(Department), proposes to use the Small Systems Technical Assistance Set-Aside of the
DWSRF in an assistance and training program directed at improving the technical,
managerial, and financial capabilities of small community public water systems in the state.
The goal of this program is to assure that assistance is provided to all small community public
water systems that require such assistance to maintain adequate technical, financial, and
managerial capabilities necessary to comply with requirements of the SDWA.
SELECTION PROCESS
The current technical assistance contracts expire on June 30, 2024.
Prior to the expiration of the existing contracts an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the technical
assistance contracts will be sent out to potential contractors. All proposals will be evaluated
by the Department and recommendations for award will be presented to the Board (at a
regularly scheduled Board meeting); all contracts will be awarded.
The contracts for technical assistance are currently awarded to:
• Small Systems Technical Assistance (long-term and intermediate technical assistance)
– Communities Unlimited;
• Board Management Training Monitoring and Coordination for Water System Officials
- Mississippi State University Extension Service;
• Hands-On Operator Training - MS Water and Pollution Control Operators Association;
• PEER Review Program for Public Water Supplies - Mississippi Rural Water
Association, Inc.;
• Asset Management - Mississippi Rural Water Association, Inc.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
The technical assistance program consists of five major categories of activities that will be
accomplished through contracts with qualified organizations that are experienced in providing
the type of support required by each activity. These categories may be updated and/or revised
as a result of work plan reviews that will be conducted annually during the life of the program.
Amendments will be submitted whenever activities or budgets change and when required to
extend the term of the work plan.
Small Systems Technical Assistance:
Comprehensive and Intermediate technical assistance shall be provided to an equivalent of
twelve (12) small public water systems annually.
1. Long-term technical assistance:
Comprehensive assistance must be provided to a minimum of six (6) small public water
systems for the contract period. The MSDH – Bureau of Public Water Supply will
provide the contractor a list of systems that are to receive this assistance. Within 30
days of the start date for that contract year, the contractor will identify, with the help of
MSDH, systems that will receive comprehensive technical assistance, complete an
initial assessment of the needs of each system and develop a work plan for each water
system. The contractor shall submit an assessment and work plan for each system to
MSDH for approval prior to initiating technical assistance. MSDH shall use its latest
report of Capacity Ratings of Public Water Systems, along with the recommendations
of MSDH staff and the contractor, to identify those public water systems that are to
receive this assistance.
Activity Objective - provide long-term on-site comprehensive technical assistance to resolve
problems identified by contractor. A minimum of six (6) systems will be chosen from a prepared
list.
Reporting/Evaluation - written progress reports using a format approved by MSDH will be
furnished monthly to MSDH and members of the Board by the contractor. The reports shall
identify progress made on the work plan developed for each system. The contractor shall meet
with the Board on a quarterly basis to update the Board on accomplishments under this contract
and answer any questions the Board might have regarding the implementation of this contract.
2. Intermediate technical assistance:
This assistance is selective in nature and consists of one or more additional contact or
non-contact hours for public water systems previously receiving short-term assistance
or systems not requiring comprehensive long-term assistance. Selection of systems
will be based on the list supplied by MSDH for the remaining public water systems
from the initially prepared list.
Intermediate technical assistance projects will be counted toward the minimum twelve
(12) required comprehensive projects at a ratio of 2:1 (two intermediate projects will
be the equivalent of one comprehensive project).
Activity Objective - provide intermediate on-site technical assistance to selected systems covering
the subject(s) determined by the contractor to be most needed.
Reporting/Evaluation - written progress reports using a format approved by MSDH will be
furnished monthly to MSDH and members of the Board by the contractor. The reports shall
identify the assistance provided to each system. The contractor shall meet with the Board on a
quarterly basis to update the Board on accomplishments under this contract and answer any
questions the Board might have regarding the implementation of this contract.
Coordination and Monitoring of Board Management Training for Water System Officials:
Section 41-26-101 of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated, states “Each member elected
or reelected after June 30, 1998, to serve on a governing board of any community public water
system, except systems operated by municipalities with a population greater than ten thousand
(10,000), shall attend a minimum of eight (8) hours of management training within two (2)
years following the election of that board member. If a board member has undergone training
and is reelected to the board, that board member shall not be required to attend training. The
management training shall be organized by the MSDH. The management training shall include
information on water system management and financing, rate setting and structures, operations
and maintenance, applicable laws and regulations, ethics, the duties and responsibilities of the
association and other organizations. The Department shall develop and provide all training
materials. To avoid board members having to interfere with their jobs or employment,
management training sessions may be divided into segments and, to the greatest extent
possible, shall be scheduled for evening sessions. The Department shall conduct management
training on a regional basis.” The contractor shall: serve as the coordinator for MSDH in
regards to all activities related to the implementation of the training program in the state;
randomly attend training sessions to ensure the established curriculum is being followed and
that the curriculum is relevant and effective; manage the Board Member Training Curriculum
Review Committee; continue to update the established computerized database to accurately
track the most current status of each board member attending the program; and other related
duties.
Activity Objective - manage those activities related to the effective training of the members of
the governing boards of small community public water systems.
Reporting/Evaluation - Randomly attend at least two sessions/contract year/training
organization unannounced and furnish both MSDH and the Board members a written report
within 7 days of attendance including the following information: review of presentation by
trainer(s); any needed remedial action; attendee comments; attendance roster; and other related
items. Written and oral quarterly reports shall be furnished to MSDH and the Board members
that include: attendee evaluation of the trainers and training material; contractor evaluation of
trainer(s); attendee comments; attendance rosters; needed remedial action; curriculum review
committee meetings; itemized costs of training organization(s). Monthly reports containing the
above information shall be submitted to MSDH along with the invoices for work performed
under the contract. MSDH, affected board members, and affected entities shall be provided with
periodic reports listing those board members who have not completed the board member training
and the time remaining for completion of the training.
Hands-On Operator Training:
The Contractor will provide practical, applied, “hands-on” training for public water system
operators in the State of Mississippi. MSDH defines hands-on operator training for the
purposes of this contract as training that provides functional instruction in the necessary skills
and knowledge to be able to better fulfill the job requirements of a drinking water system
operator. The hands-on training will include a comprehensive approach (lecture plus physical,
hands-on sessions with equipment) for all operators attending the training. Trainings are to
include equipment/props pertinent to the training topic(s) as a part of the training discussion.
Activity Objectives - Provide a minimum of fourteen (14) hands-on operator training sessions
within the year.
Reporting/Evaluation - written quarterly reports using a format approved by MSDH on Hands-
On Operator Training. The reports shall include but are not limited to: a) details of sessions
conducted; b) number of attendees and their comments; c) related problems that occurred during
or as a result of a training session and any solution(s); d) an itemized list of the costs incurred
by the training organization; and e) other related items. The contractor shall meet with the Board
on a quarterly basis to update the Board on accomplishments under this contract and answer any
questions the Board might have regarding the implementation of this contract.
Peer Review Assistance:
Through the use of trained volunteers, this assistance will be conducted on-site with the
systems either selected from a list provided to the contractor by MSDH or with prior MSDH
approval. A cooperative agreement between the contractor and the Mississippi Water and
Pollution Control Operators’ Association will help provide qualified volunteers to serve as
peer review team members. There will be a goal of a minimum of fourteen (14) Peer reviews
per contract year with a minimum of three (3) peer reviews per quarter. Each volunteer shall
be paid $75 per day for each actual peer review in which the volunteer participates. The
contractor will maintain a directory of trained volunteers.
Activity Objectives - provide short-term (less 8 contact hours) on-site technical assistance to
selected systems covering the subject(s) determined by the contractor to be most needed.
Reporting/Evaluation - copies of all completed peer review reports will be provided to both
MSDH and the Board within 30 days of completion of each peer review. Written progress
reports using a format approved by MSDH will be furnished monthly to MSDH and members
of the Board by the contractor. The name of the system undergoing the peer review shall be
removed and be identified by a code only known to the contractor. The report shall include: an
assessment of which type of capacity was the worst at the time of the visit; a listing of all
suggested remedial action; officials present shall be listed by title; an evaluation form
(previously approved by MSDH) rating the assistance provided that was completed by the
system; any conditions currently or potentially endangering public health; and any other related
items. The contractor shall meet with the Board on a quarterly basis to update the Board on
accomplishments under this contract and answer any questions the Board might have regarding
the implementation of this contract.
Asset Management Training:
The Contractor will provide practical, applied, asset management training for public water
system operators in the State of Mississippi using the guidance provided by the EPA in its
publication titled “Asset Management: A Best Practices Guide”. Training will be provided at
three different locations in the state, one per Public Health Region and will be provided at no
cost to attendees.
Activity Objectives - provide asset management training to water system operator statewide.
Reporting/Evaluation - written quarterly reports using a format approved by MSDH. The reports
shall include but are not limited to: a) details of sessions conducted; b) number of attendees and
their comments; c) related problems that occurred during or as a result of a training session and
any solution(s); d) an itemized list of the costs incurred by the training organization; and e) other
related items. The contractor shall meet with the Board on a quarterly basis to update the Board
on accomplishments under this contract and answer any questions the Board might have
regarding the implementation of this contract.
AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES
The MSDH will conduct Small Systems Technical Assistance Set-aside activities through
Board approved contracts with providers who will be selected following procedures of the
State of Mississippi’s Department of Finance and Administration Public Procurement Review
Board. Contracts of a regulatory nature will be handled solely by MSDH. All providers will
report to and be responsible to the MSDH for all contract activities. No additional full time
equivalent (FTE) requirement is anticipated for state agencies to implement the provisions of
this set-aside.
APPENDIX F - Mississippi State Program Management
Set-Aside Annual Work Plan
Section 1452(g)(2) - Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
BACKGROUND
This work plan describes how the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) State
Program Management set-aside funds will be expended to support the Public Water Systems
Supervision (PWSS) Program.
After review of the Draft FFY-2024 Intended Use Plan (IUP) by the Local Governments &
Rural Water Systems Improvements Board (Board), the Board will authorize the publication
of a legal notice in The Clarion-Ledger for the IUP. The notice will request the public to
provide comments on the Draft FFY-2024 Intended Use Plan (IUP). The IUP reserves 10%
of the state’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) capitalization grant for the
State Program Management activities to support the MSDH PWSS Program as allowed under
Section 1452(g)(2) of the SDWA Amendments of 1996.
After a public notice period of at least twenty-five (25) days, an oral proceeding will be held
to receive and consider comments from the public on the Draft IUP. After the resolution of
any comments from the public, the Final FFY-2024 IUP will be presented to the Board for
adoption at their next scheduled Board meeting. After adoption by the Board, a second filing
with the Secretary of State’s Office occurs. The Final FFY-2024 IUP will be effective thirty
(30) days from the date of the second filing with the Secretary of State’s Office.
FUNDING AMOUNT (Standard Capitalization Grant)
The state reserves 10% ($754,400) of the FFY-2024 DWSRF capitalization grant as a set-
aside for State Program Management activities of the PWSS Program. The reserved amount
will offset the salary, fringe, and indirect cost expenses of a portion of the PWSS personnel
positions in the PWSS Program.
NUMBER OF FTE’s PROJECTED FOR IMPLEMENTING THIS SET-ASIDE
The state projects twenty-eight (28) full time equivalents (FTE) will be required to
implement the FFY-2024/2024 PWSS Program.
GOALS, OBJECTIVES, OUTPUT, AND DELIVERABLES
One of the set-asides authorized under the 1996 SDWA amendments is the management of
the state program, which can be funded by up to 10% of the federal allotment. These funds
will support public water system supervision program activities as required to maintain state
primacy and to support the activities of the DWSIRLF. MSDH’s PWSS Work Plan outlines
in detail the aspects of the PWSS that are supported by this set-aside. Items covered by the
set-aside include: (1) State Primacy Requirements, (2) Non-Primacy Requirements, and (3)
Auxiliary Services.
Primacy Requirements
As required to maintain state primacy, MSDH maintains the PWSS programs on an ongoing
or as-needed basis. These programs include: revising current primacy programs by adopting
new Federal regulations as needed; coordinating for Mid-Year and End-of-Year review with
EPA Regional Office; maintaining a sanitary survey program with discrepancy follow-up;
participating in state data verification audits; ensuring public water systems (PWSs) are
utilizing approved laboratories and a certification program for those laboratories is in place;
participating in the EPA Regional oversight; operating in accordance with requirements of
the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations; maintaining an active water system design
and construction plan and specification review program; ensuring labs used by PWSs within
the state are capable of the workload created by regulations; participating in PWS and PWSS
training on rule requirements; informing EPA Region 4 of any special state initiatives under
the rules or provisions of the SDWA; maintaining records for all rule/policies, enforcing
reporting and record keeping as required; maintaining appropriate administrative penalty
authority; implementing the PWS definition; attending State/EPA planning and
implementation meetings; ensuring that newly permitted PWSs have design/construction
capable of compliance with the present and upcoming SDWA regulations; ensuring
analytical methods are being applied to demonstrate compliance with the regulations;
notifying (if necessary) EPA of intent not to adopt or implement any portion of the rules; and
responding to EPA requests for information or verification of state rules implementation.
Additionally, MSDH will provide annual summaries of the status of: each effective variance
and exemption to EPA; community PWSs that are allowed to monitor less frequently than
monthly; and non-community PWSs that are allowed to monitor less frequently than
quarterly to EPA. MSDH will also oversee and enforce requirements for rules and
regulations adopted with approved federal primacy. These regulations include the SDWA
and all applicable rules present and future, primacy packages, and extension agreements of
the SDWA.
Non-primacy Requirements
In addition to the requirements of the PWSS program, monies from this set-aside provide
support to activities that are of a non-primacy nature. Those activities are not required to
maintain state primacy. However, to run a highly effective, efficient program and most
importantly protect the public health, these activities are vital.
Capacity Development (CD) Program
As required by the SDWA, each state is required to develop and implement a Public
Water System Capacity Development Program in order to receive full funding annually
under the DWSRF Program. Public water system capacity assessment is a full evaluation
of the PWS’s technical, managerial, and financial ability to provide safe drinking water to
its customers by complying with all state and Federal regulations. In accordance with the
Federal requirements, MSDH has developed and implemented a CD program for both
new and existing PWSs. The MSDH CD program takes the form of a rating that each
community water system (CWS) and non-transient non-community water system
(NTNCWS) receives at their annual sanitary survey. The criteria used in the rating
system incorporate laws, regulations, and other valuable information to evaluate the areas
of technical, managerial, and financial capacity. The program is also designed to evolve
from year-to-year through an annual meeting of an advisory committee that will make
suggestions as to possible changes and/or additions to the rating criteria. As required by
regulation, an annual report is made to the Governor on the efficacy of the strategy and
progress towards improving the capacity of PWSs in the state. Additionally, annual
documentation of ongoing implementation of the CD strategy is to be provided with
DWSRF Capitalization Grant application.
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule
This particular aspect of the PWSS involves informing systems with populations greater
than 10,000 in the state monitoring plan of their responsibilities to monitor for
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule; assisting the EPA in sampling systems in the
state monitoring plan as determined by the state and EPA in the UCMR Partnership
Agreement; adding vulnerable systems to the plan for monitoring UCMR List 3
contaminants based on guidance; review UCMR data from public water systems to
ensure that it meets quality assurance and PWS reporting requirements necessary;
informing EPA of potential changes needed in the data and, with mutual agreement of the
state and EPA, make changes to the data; and responding as requested by the EPA for
information on verification of state UCMR implementation.
Operator Certification
As mandated by the SDWA to maintain full funding for the DWSIRLF, operator
certification is an essential part of the PWSS program. Activities required to maintain the
operator certification program include: providing documentation and evaluation of
ongoing program implementation for all annual program submittals subsequent to the
initial submittal; supply as required certification of changes and documentation of those
change that are made to the regulations of statutes; perform internal and external program
reviews as required by state law.
Source Water Assessment Program
On an annual basis, MSDH reports to EPA on Source Water Assessment Program
implementation activities. Beginning December 1, 2009, all groundwater systems began
either Source Water Monitoring or 4-Log Compliance Monitoring. Additionally,
Mississippi is required to conduct routine sanitary surveys of all public water systems and
identify significant deficiencies. The Rule also requires systems to take corrective actions
for significant deficiencies and for source water fecal contamination.
Auxiliary Services
These services include various aspects related to data management, compliance, and
enforcement of the PWSS Program.
Information Management and the Safe Drinking Water Inspection System
(SDWIS)/Fed Reporting
These ongoing activities include: overseeing and enforcing requirements of data
management and the Safe Drinking Water Inspection System (SDWIS) /Fed reporting;
reporting the state’s PWSS inventory at least annually to SDWIS/Fed; reporting the
state’s violations and enforcement actions at least quarterly; participating in EPA/state
data managers conference calls; identifying the data manager and alternate for the
purpose of making secure transmissions of data intended for SDWIS/Fed through EPA’s
Central Data Exchange; establishing and following quality assurance procedures to
ensure that PWS data eventually entered in SDWIS/Fed is of the highest reliability and
maximum value to the public.
Inspection Strategy
This activity includes overseeing and enforcing requirements of the regulatory
requirements.
Management System for Non-compliant Systems
These activities include overseeing and enforcing requirements of management systems
for non-compliant systems; provide current versions of its enforcement response guide;
assurances that the EPA has up-to-date information.
Rule Task Force
This requires participation in the Rule Writing Task Force and Rule Workshops.
Enforcement and Management of Significant Non-compliers (SNC’s)
Activities of this auxiliary service include overseeing and complying with the
requirements of management significant non-compliers (SNC’s); and reporting the state’s
response to instances of significant noncompliance at public water systems.
The commitments as stated here and in the PWSS Work plan are adopted as
commitments of the State Program Management set-aside.
SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETING ACTIVITIES
The schedule for completing State Program activities under this work plan will be the
schedule established by dates entered in the “Date Due” column of the MSDH PWSS Work
plan.
AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES
The MSDH is the agency responsible for implementing required activities under the State
Program Management set-aside.
EVALUATION PROCESS TO ASSESS THE SUCCESS OF SET-ASIDE ACTIVITIES
The success of State Program Activities will be defined by the ability of the MSDH to
successfully meet commitments in the PWSS Work Plan. Quarterly and annual
reports/submittals required by the PWSS program include documentation and evaluation of
ongoing program implementation and success in meeting stated commitments.
APPENDIX G - LOCAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER STATE PROGRAMS
ANNUAL WORK PLAN
Section 1452(g)(2) - Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996
INTRODUCTION
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Public Water Supply
(Department), will use the Local Assistance and Other State Programs Set-aside of the
DWSRF in a wellhead protection and assistance program. The program will be eliminating
inactive wells and/or open holes which pose a contamination risk to the state’s groundwater
aquifers, by properly abandoning them in accordance with state guidelines. Local
governments realize that the inactive wells/open holes pose a risk of contamination to the
groundwater which may be utilize via their active wells; however, funds to properly abandon
wells/holes are limited. The financial assistance provided through this set-aside will allow
the state, by way of contractual agreement(s), to identify and then properly abandon inactive
wells/open holes posing contamination risks to the state’s groundwater aquifers.
SELECTION PROCESS
The contract for coordination of the decommissioning/properly closing inactive water
wells/open holes was bid and awarded; the current contract runs until June 30, 2024. A new
contract for the decommissioning/properly closing inactive water wells/open holes is
currently being developed in accordance with new State contracting requirements.
An Invitation for Bids (IFBs) for the coordination of the decommissioning/properly closing
inactive water wells/open holes was sent to qualified potential contractors. Bids received
were reviewed by the Department to select the lowest and best bid for the agency.
Recommendations for award of a contract were presented to the Board at their regularly
scheduled Board meeting; following authorization by the Board, the coordination contract
was awarded.
The contracts for the coordination and decommissioning/properly closing inactive water
wells/open holes currently reside as following:
The first contract (the coordination contract) - Engineering Service.
The second contract (closure contract) – is currently being developed in accordance with
new State contracting requirements.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
The activities described herein will be accomplished through a four-part process:
Identification of wells / holes needing proper abandonment for the protection of aquifers and
the overall public health; communication with public water supply that owns well/hole to
encourage proper abandonment; mobilization of well contractor to identified site to perform
the work; and confirmation that the work has been completed.
Identification – The contractor will use a list provided by the Department through a
cooperative effort with the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Office of
Groundwater Resources (MDEQ) to identify wells or open holes owned by particular water
systems to be abandoned. Wells/holes deemed high risk by MDEQ will be sought out first
for abandonment. Upon completion, wells/holes that are considered medium risk will be
addressed next, then low risk.
Communication – Staff from the contractor will meet with system officials to encourage
them to properly abandon existing inactive wells or open holes posing risk of contamination
to their water system and aquifer. This is considered essential to successfully achieving the
goal of abandoning those wells/holes posing risk.
Mobilization – Once the communication phase has been completed, staff of the MSW&MW,
the licensed well driller contractor and the well closure coordinator will mobilize to the
selected site and commence with the proper abandonment of the well/hole. This will be
accomplished in accordance with established guidelines set forth by the MDEQ Office of
Groundwater. When the abandonment is complete, the well contractor will contact the well
closure coordinator to inform them of project completion.
Confirmation – Staff of the well closure coordinator will perform site visits to confirm
proper abandonment of the wells/holes. When the abandonment is confirmed, the well
closure coordinator will notify the Department to ensure that each abandoned well matches
invoices submitted for payment.
SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETING ACTIVITIES
The schedule for completing Local Assistance and Other Program activities under this work
plan will be the schedule established by set contractual dates.
AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES
The MSDH will be monitoring contractors throughout the process to ensure effective
completion of contractual assignments.
EVALUATION PROCESS TO ASSESS THE SUCCESS OF SET-ASIDE ACTIVITIES
The success of this set-aside will be defined by the ability of the MSDH through the solicited
contractor(s) to remove by proper abandonment wells or open holes that potentially pose a
risk to existing water supplies and the aquifers which supply the well water.
APPENDIX H - COORDINATION SCHEDULES FOR JOINTLY FUNDED PROJECTS
FFY-2024 DWSIRLF COORDINATION SCHEDULES FOR JOINTLY FUNDED
PROJECTS
These schedules are designed to help assure coordination between the DWSIRLF Program and
the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Grant Program, Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Program, and Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Loan/ Grant Program.
These schedules are, however, subject to change due to the timing of federal appropriations or
program changes.
Schedule Item(s)/Deadline(s)
Date(s)
ARC
CDBG
RUS*
May 1,
Mississippi Appalachian
Regional Office (MARO)
notifies potential applicants
& local Planning &
Development Districts of
the September 1, 2022,
deadline for submitting
complete ARC grants
applications.
(N/A)
(N/A)
Sept 1,
All FY-2024 ARC project
applications due at MARO
in Tupelo, MS by 5:00 p.m.
Proposals received
afterward will only be
considered as "back-up"
projects.
(N/A)
(N/A)
Oct 1,
2024**
Deadline for loan applicant
to submit a complete
DWSIRLF facilities plan to
MS State Department of
Health (MSDH). The plan
must reflect anticipated
ARC funding and must
indicate if the loan applicant
intends to proceed with the
project; 1) only if ARC
funds are received, or 2)
regardless of ARC funding.
**
Deadline for loan applicant
to submit a complete
DWSIRLF facilities plan to
MS State Department of
Health (MSDH). The plan
must reflect anticipated
CDBG funding and must
indicate if the loan
applicant intends to proceed
with the project; 1) only if
CDBG funds are received,
or 2) regardless of CDBG
funding. **
Deadline for loan applicant
to submit a complete
DWSIRLF facilities plan to
MS State Department of
Health (MSDH). The plan
must reflect anticipated
RUS funding and must
indicate if the loan
applicant intends to
proceed with the project; 1)
only if RUS funds are
received, or 2) regardless
of RUS funding. **
Oct,
MS State Dept. of Health
(MSDH) notifies MARO of
loan applicants who have
submitted complete
facilities plans which
indicate anticipated FY-
2024 ARC funding.
MS State Dept. of Health
(MSDH) notifies
Mississippi Development
Authority (MDA) of loan
applicants who have
submitted facilities plans
which indicate anticipated
FY-2024 CDBG funding.
MS State Dept. of Health
(MSDH) notifies U. S.
Department of Agriculture,
Rural Utilities Service
(RUS) of loan applicants
who have submitted
facilities plans which
MARO notifies MSDH of
ARC grant applicants who
submitted pre-applications
which indicate anticipated
FY-2024 DWSIRLF
funding.
indicate anticipated FY-
2024 RUS funding
Date(s)
ARC
CDBG
RUS
Nov 15,
MARO completes review of
FY-2024 projects and briefs
Governor on proposed
Priority 1 and Priority 2
project lists, as well as
projects not eligible to be
funded.
(N/A)
(N/A)
Nov 15-
30, 2024
MARO notifies local
Planning & Development
Districts of projects that have
been selected for the P1
(fundable priority list).
MARO will copy MSDH on
these notification letters if
grantee has indicated that it
is pursuing DWSIRLF loan
funds for the project. MSDH
will not award a DWSIRLF
loan until this notification
from MARO is provided.
(N/A)
(N/A)
Oct 18,
(N/A)
CDBG program application
workshops. ***
(N/A)
Nov,
MSDH advertises Draft
DWSIRLF FFY-2024
Intended Use Plan for public
comment.
MSDH advertises Draft
DWSIRLF FFY-2024
Intended Use Plan for
public comment.
MSDH advertises Draft
DWSIRLF FFY-2024
Intended Use Plan for
public comment.
Dec 30,
Deadline for all FY-2024
Priority 1 documentation and
forms to be submitted to
MARO.
(N/A)
(N/A)
Date(s)
ARC
CDBG
RUS
Dec,
Board adopts FFY-2024
DWSIRLF Intended Use
Plan accounting for
anticipated ARC award
amounts if identified in
facilities plan.
Board adopts FFY-2024
DWSIRLF Intended Use
Plan, accounting for
anticipated CDBG award
amounts if identified in
facilities plan. CDBG
public facilities
applications, along with
one copy of the DWSRLF
loan application with maps
and appropriate
attachments will be
accepted from 12/7/2024
until 8/2024
Board adopts FFY-2024
DWSIRLF Intended Use
Plan, accounting for
anticipated RUS award
amounts if identified in
facilities plan.
Jan 20,
(N/A)
Deadline for a CDBG grant
applicant to submit a water
viability review form to
MDA.
(N/A)
Jan,
MSDH notifies MARO of
projects included on Final
FFY-2024 Priority List that
anticipate receiving FFY-
2024 ARC funds.
MSDH notifies MDA of
projects included on the
Final FFY-2024 Priority
List that anticipate
receiving FFY-2024
CDBG funds.
MSDH notifies RUS of
projects included on the
Final FFY-2024 Priority
List that anticipate
receiving FFY-2024 RUS
funds.
Date(s)
ARC
CDBG
RUS
Feb 1,
MARO sends project
applications to ARC-
Washington to start final
funding approval process.
(N/A)
(N/A)
Feb 16,
(N/A)
CDBG public facilities
applications, along with
one copy of the DWSIRLF
loan application with maps
and appropriate
attachments, will be
accepted from 2/16/2024
until 4:00 p.m. on
2/17/2024.
(N/A)
Feb- Jun,
ARC-Washington starts the
final funding approval
process and awards ARC
grants during the spring or
summer of 2024.
(N/A)
(N/A)
Date(s)
ARC
CDBG
RUS
Mar,
(N/A)
MDA provides notification
to MSDH that complete
CDBG applications have
been received.
(N/A)
May 1,
2024**
Deadline for loan
applicants to submit a
completed DWSIRLF loan
application to MSDH for
the total DWSIRLF eligible
costs, less the amount of
anticipated ARC award to
be applied to DWSIRLF
eligible costs. **
Deadline for loan
applicants to submit a
completed DWSIRLF loan
application to MSDH for
the total DWSIRLF eligible
costs, less amount of
anticipated CDBG award to
be applied to the
DWSIRLF eligible costs.
**
(NOTE: If the loan
recipient is pursuing a
CDBG grant to cover part
of the cost of construction,
the loan recipient has the
option to include the
anticipated CDBG grant
amount in the detailed cost
breakdown in the
application or may request
100% DWSIRLF funding
with the possibility of
amending the loan
application later if the loan
recipient is awarded a
CDBG grant prior to
receipt of bids for
construction. However, the
DWSIRLF loan application
must be consistent with the
DWSIRLF facilities plan
for the project.)
Deadline for loan applicants
to submit complete
DWSIRLF loan
applications to MSDH for
the total DWSIRLF eligible
costs, less amount of
anticipated RUS award to
be applied to DWSIRLF
eligible costs. **
(NOTE: If the loan recipient
is pursuing an RUS
grant/loan to cover part of
the cost of construction, the
loan recipient has the option
to include the anticipated
RUS grant/loan amount in
the detailed cost breakdown
in the application or may
request 100% DWSIRLF
funding with the possibility
of amending the loan
application later if the loan
recipient is awarded an
RUS grant/loan prior to
receipt of bids for
construction. However, the
DWSIRLF loan application
must be consistent with the
DWSIRLF facilities plan
for the project)
Date(s)
ARC
CDBG
RUS
May,
(N/A)
MDA provides notification
to MSDH of which
projects fall within the
funding range for CDBG
grants for construction
contingent upon matching
funds being in place.
(NOTE: MSDH will not
award a DWSIRLF loan
until this notification from
MDA is provided.)
(N/A)
Jun, 2024 MSDH provides
notification to MARO that
complete DWSIRLF loan
applications have been
received.
MSDH provides
notification to MDA that
complete DWSIRLF loan
applications have been
received. MDA provides
conformation to MSDH of
which projects fall within
the funding range for
CDBG grants for
construction contingent
upon matching funds being
in place.
MSDH provides
notification to RUS that
complete DWSIRLF loan
applications have been
received.
(Upon
Grant
Award)
MARO provides
notification to MSDH that
ARC awards have been
made.
MDA provides notification
to MSDH that CDBG
awards have been made.
RUS provides notification
that RUS awards have been
made
Aug 1,
2024**
All approvable documents
and responses to comments
necessary for loan award
must be submitted to
MDEQ for review and
approval. **
All approvable documents
and responses to comments
necessary for loan award
must be submitted to
MDEQ for review and
approval. **
All approvable documents
and responses to comments
necessary for loan award
must be submitted to
MDEQ for review and
approval. **
Date(s)
ARC
CDBG
RUS
May-Sep,
Loan applicants receive
DWSIRLF loan awards
from MSDH. The amount
of the loan will be the total
DWSIRLF eligible cost less
the ARC award amount to
be applied to DWSIRLF
eligible costs.
Loan applicants receive
DWSIRLF loan awards
from MSDH. The amount
of the loan will be the total
DWSIRLF eligible cost
less the CDBG award
amount to be applied to
DWSIRLF eligible costs.
Loan applicants receive
DWSIRLF loan awards
from MSDH. The amount
of the loan will be the total
DWSIRLF eligible cost less
the RUS award amount to
be applied to DWSIRLF
eligible costs.
If loan applicant desires
DWSIRLF loan award prior
to RUS award, loan
applicant must provide
MSDH with a copy of letter
from RUS which states
their project will be funded
only contingent upon
receipt of DWSIRLF
matching funds. MSDH
will not award a DWSIRLF
loan until that notification
from RUS is provided.
(Upon
Loan
Award)
MSDH sends a copy of the
award letter to MARO.
MSDH sends a copy of the
award letter to MDA.
MSDH sends a copy of the
award letter to RUS.
*
General Guidance regarding DWSIRLF/RUS coordination: The RUS is an agency of the
United States Department of Agriculture which provides loans and grants for water and
wastewater projects. Eligible applicants must be public entities, nonprofit organizations, or
Indian tribes that serve communities with populations under 10,000. RUS funds may be used in
conjunction with other Federal, State, or local funds. Applications for RUS funds will be
accepted at any time during the year and involve an environmental review that includes public
notifications and comment periods. RUS projects are funded at any time during the year as long
as funds are available. RUS funds are allocated by Congress in October of each year and are
usually spent as complete applications are received. Therefore, it is generally to the applicant’s
advantage to file applications earlier in the year. To receive an application package or other
information, contact Rural Utilities Service, 100 West Capitol Street, Suite 831, Jackson, MS
39269; telephone: (601) 965-5460; fax: 844-325-7034.
**
FFY-2024 DWSIRLF Priority System Deadline
***
“To Be Announced” (Date has not yet been set.)
APPENDIX I - DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS EMERGENCY LOAN FUND
PROGRAM
Section 41-3-16, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended, created the Drinking Water Systems
Emergency Loan Fund Program (DWSELF). This program provides loans to counties,
municipalities, districts, or other (tax exempt) water organizations for emergency construction,
repair, or replacement of drinking water facilities. This entirely state-funded loan program
provides a ready funding source for such emergency projects without the federal cross-cutter
requirements required in the Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund
(DWSIRLF) Program, thereby saving valuable time and expense. The Board encourages eligible
water organizations throughout the state to utilize this program whenever emergency drinking
water projects are needed.
The basic provisions of this program are: 1) a current interest rate of 2.0%; 2) a maximum single
loan amount as determined by the Board; 3) a maximum repayment period of five (5) years; and
4) the project must meet the definition of an emergency as established in the program
regulations. It is also important to note that loan recipients do not pay interest during the original
construction period (capitalized interest), and that loan repayments do not begin until after
project completion.
Allowable costs for the project may not be incurred prior to the budget period established in the
loan agreement, which may not begin more than 30 days prior to receipt of the loan application.
Costs for the project will be paid on a reimbursement basis, based upon the actual allowable
expenditures of the loan recipient.
APPENDIX J - CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to the assurances included below, the state acknowledges that there are additional
assurances that the state has agreed to in both the Operating Agreement between the State and
EPA Region IV and the annual capitalization grants. These two documents are hereby
incorporated into this IUP by reference.
1.
The state certifies that all drinking water facility projects in this IUP identified in Section
VII as being subject to the federal cross-cutting requirements are or will be in compliance
with all such requirements prior to the state entering into an assistance agreement with
the recipient.
2.
The state certifies that it will make an annual report to the Regional Administrator on the
actual uses of the funds and how the state has met the goals and objectives for the
previous two fiscal years as identified in the IUPs; and to annually have conducted an
independent audit of the funds to be conducted in accordance with generally accepted
government accounting standards.
3.
The state certifies that this IUP will be subjected to public review and comment prior to
final submission to EPA. The state certifies that it will follow the “Mississippi
Administrative Procedures Law” in seeking public review and comments on this IUP. A
copy of the “Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law” can be obtained from the
Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office and can be found on the Mississippi State
Department of Health’s website at www.healthyms.com/dwsrf.
Through this public review process, the State, Board, and Program hope to include a
diverse set of potential interested parties, including community groups, neighborhood
associations, environmental organizations, environmental justice organizations, and
public health groups, that represent a broad spectrum of community interests.
An oral proceeding will be held to receive written and oral comments on this IUP. A
transcript of the public hearing recording the comments and recommended solutions will
be submitted to EPA along with the Final IUP. Anyone desiring to receive a copy of the
oral proceeding transcript should contact Jonathan Diaz, Program Support Specialist, at
(601) 576-7518 to request copies.
4.
The state certifies that all drinking water facility projects in this IUP are on the project
Priority List developed pursuant to the requirements of Section 1452(b)(3)(B), SDWA.
5.
The state certifies that it will enter into binding commitments for 120% of the amount of
each payment (LOC) under the capitalization grant within one year after receipt of each
payment (LOC).
6.
The state certifies that it will commit and expend all Drinking Water Systems
Improvements Revolving Loan Fund (DWSIRLF) Program monies as efficiently as
possible, and to disburse the funds in a timely and expeditious manner.
7.
The state certifies that it will conduct environmental reviews on all DWSIRLF cross-
cutter equivalency projects in accordance with the State Environmental Review Process
(SERP).
8.
The state certifies that prior to adding any new projects to the “FFY-2023 and After
Planning List” for the purpose of funding such a project during FFY-2024 that the state
will follow the “Mississippi Administrative Procedures Law” in amending this IUP to
allow for public review and comments.
9.
The state certifies that it has developed and implemented a Capacity Development (CD)
strategy to assist public water systems in acquiring and maintaining technical,
managerial, and financial capacity as required in Section 1420(c) of the 1996
Amendments to the SDWA. This CD program is currently approved by EPA.
10.
The state certifies the State’s Operator Certification Program is currently approved by
EPA.
11.
The State is committed to and ensures that program’s activities comply with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964
xxvii
APPENDIX K – INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND JOBS ACT
Sections of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) that impact the Drinking
Water SRFs:
I.
Funding
The bill appropriates $30.713 billion for the Drinking Water State Revolving Funds
(SRFs) over five years. (This is actual funding.) (See Division J – Appropriations, Title
VI Department of Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, State and Tribal
Assistance Grants: Starts on page 2,565 of the bill.)
II.
Reauthorization & Policy
The bill includes The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act (S. 914) which
reauthorizes funding levels for the SRFs and amends SRF provisions in the Clean Water
Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. (See Division E – Drinking Water and Wastewater
Infrastructure: Starts with Section 50001 on page 1,887 of the bill.)
III.
Buy America / Buy American
The bill expands domestic preference procurement provisions for programs across
government, including the SRFs. (See Division G – Other Authorizations, Title IX Build
America, Buy America: Starts with 70901 on page 2,303 of the bill.)
I.
Funding
The bill provides three pots of funding for SRFs over the next five years:
• Any Eligible Project:
o $11,713,000,000 for the Drinking Water SRF for any eligible project.
• Lead Remediation:
o $15 billion for the Drinking Water SRF for lead service line replacement,
including planning, identification, and design (includes inventories).
• Emerging Contaminants Remediation:
o $4 billion for remediation of emerging contaminants with a focus on PFAS/PFOA
for the Drinking Water SRF.
Key points for this supplemental appropriation:
• Funding is intended to be in addition to annual appropriations.
• Funding is available “until expended.”
• State match is not required for appropriations dedicated to lead service line replacement
and remediation of emerging contaminants.
• State match is 10% for 2022-2023 and 20% for 2024-2026 for appropriations for any
eligible project.
• 100% of the capitalization grant for emerging contaminants must be used for additional
subsidy. A flat 49% of the annual capitalization grant for any eligible project and lead
service line replacement must be used for additional subsidy.
xxviii
• Additional subsidy must be provided in the form of assistance agreements with 100%
principal forgiveness or grants.
Year
Drinking Water SRF
Any Eligible Project
State
Match
Mandated
Additional
Subsidy
$1,902,000,000
10%
49%
$2,202,000,000
10%
49%
$2,403,000,000
20%
49%
$2,603,000,000
20%
49%
$2,603,000,000
20%
49%
Total
$11,713,000,000
Year
Drinking Water SRF
Emerging
Contaminants
State
Match
Mandated
Additional
Subsidy
$800,000,000
0%
100%
$800,000,000
0%
100%
$800,000,000
0%
100%
$800,000,000
0%
100%
$800,000,000
0%
100%
Total
$4,000,000,000
Year
Drinking Water SRF
Lead
State
Match
Mandated
Additional
Subsidy
$3,000,000,000
0%
49%
$3,000,000,000
0%
49%
$3,000,000,000
0%
49%
$3,000,000,000
0%
49%
$3,000,000,000
0%
49%
Total
$15,000,000,000
Total
$30,713,000,000
II.
Reauthorization & Policy
The bill includes The Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Act of 2022 (S.
914) which passed the U.S. Senate on Thursday, April 29, by a vote of 89 – 2 (9 not voting).
The bill contained the following provisions. (Policy provisions apply to annual
appropriations, not supplemental appropriations in the bill.)
Funding
• Reauthorizes Drinking Water SRFs at the same levels for the next five years:
o 2022: $2.4 billion
o 2023: $2.75 billion
xxix
o 2024: $3 billion
o 2025 and 2026: $3.25 billion
• Reauthorizes SWIFIA: $5 million annually for the next five years, 2023 through
2026.
Additional Subsidy
• Defines additional subsidization as “forgiveness of principal, grants, negative interest
loans, other loan forgiveness, and through buying, refinancing, or restructuring debt”
for both SRFs and excludes loans with 0% or higher interest are not additional from
being considered additional subsidy.
• Mandates minimum additional subsidy for as long as there are eligible applications:
o Drinking Water SRFs: Increases additional subsidy from 6% to 12% of the
capitalization grant for additional subsidy for disadvantaged communities.
III.
Buy America / Buy American
The legislation also expands domestic preference procurement requirements for SRF projects
from American Iron and Steel to construction materials and manufactured products.
xxx
APPENDIX L - LOCAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER STATE PROGRAMS
ANNUAL WORK PLAN
Section 1452(g)(2) - Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996
INTRODUCTION
The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), Bureau of Public Water Supply
(Department), will use the Local Assistance and Other State Programs Set-aside of the
DWSRF in a Consolidation Regionalization assistance program. The program will be
surveying the State’s drinking water system to identify, plan, and assist water systems in
consolidation or regionalization to create a more sustainable model that best serves the
consumers of Mississippi’s drinking water.
SELECTION PROCESS
The contract for coordination of the program will run on a State Fiscal Year Basis. A
contract is currently being developed in accordance with State contracting requirements.
A Request for Qualifications will be advertised statewide. Qualifications received will be
reviewed by the Department to select the best qualified candidate for the agency.
Recommendations for award of a contract will be presented to the Board at their regularly
scheduled Board meeting; following authorization by the Board, the coordination contract
will be awarded.
PROGRAM ACTIVITIES
The activities described herein will be accomplished through a four-part process:
identification of potential consolidation or regionalization opportunities; communication
with public water supply; mobilization of contractor to identified site to develop plans and
specifications; and confirmation that the work has been performed.
Identification – The contractor will survey the State’s drinking water system to identify
water systems that would benefit from consolidation or regionalization to create a more
sustainable model that best serves the consumers of Mississippi’s drinking water.
Communication – Staff from the contractor will meet with system officials to inform them
of the program, explain what consolidation or regionalization looks like for their system, and
encourage them to consider the possibility of taking advantage of funding through our
program.
Mobilization – Once the communication phase has been completed and the system request
to move forward, staff of the contractor will mobilize to the selected site and commence with
the plan and design of the proposed project.
Confirmation – Staff of the contractor will provide the BPWS Regional Engineers with
drafts of the plans and specifications.
xxxi
SCHEDULE FOR COMPLETING ACTIVITIES
The schedule for completing Local Assistance and Other Program activities under this work
plan will be the schedule established by set contractual dates.
AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES
The MSDH will be monitoring contractors throughout the process to ensure effective
completion of contractual assignments.
EVALUATION PROCESS TO ASSESS THE SUCCESS OF SET-ASIDE ACTIVITIES
The success of this set-aside will be defined by the ability of the MSDH through the solicited
contractor(s) to identify, plan, and assist water systems in consolidation or regionalization to
create a more sustainable model that best serves the consumers of Mississippi’s drinking
water.
xxxii