Public Facilities

Green, sustainable communities view their water resources as a valuable natural resource that is integral to the community's overall environmental, physical and social health. Community sustainability requires protecting water resources in a variety of ways including providing and operating environmentally and economically effective and efficient water and wastewater treatment facilities. Energy efficiency and environmental protection opportunities abound in managing and treating water and wastewater whether it's using alternative energy to power systems, capturing biogas for energy production or land use practices to protect the local watershed.

About $11 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds is available to cities and counties on an annual competitive basis through the Water/Sewer Fund. Assisted activities include sanitary sewer system improvements, water system improvements, water and wastewater treatment facilities, storm sewer projects related to sanitary sewer system improvements, and rural water connections. Applications are normally due in December and award decisions are announced in March. For more information, contact cdbg@iowa.gov or 515.725.3072.

Links
Sustainable Design Resources for Public Facilities
Green Threshold Criteria for Applications — Coming this Spring
Environmental Review Resources
CDBG Workshop Information and Materials