23.1-07-09. Wastewater infrastructure grant program

23.1-07-09. Wastewater infrastructure grant program 1. The department shall award wastewater infrastructure grants to eligible entities identified in subsection 2 to upgrade, replace, or construct infrastructure for a wastewater collection system, wastewater disposal system, or wastewater treatment plant. 2. Cities, counties, townships, water resource districts, recreation service districts, and water districts operating wastewater systems in the state may receive a grant under this section for an eligible project, subject to the availability of funds. 3. In awarding wastewater infrastructure grants to eligible entities, the department shall prioritize eligible entities that: a. Have experienced a reduction in previously approved federal funds or federal assistance related to wastewater infrastructure projects; and b. Are prepared to begin the wastewater infrastructure project upon receipt of the grants. 4. An eligible wastewater system must be in compliance with current wastewater regulations unless the project will return the system to compliance. Eligible projects may not include operations and maintenance costs. 5. The department may not award a grant in excess of sixty percent of the total cost of a project and shall ensure no community receives a grant for more than one project per biennium.