Lead service line replacement outreach funding
Lead service line replacement (LSLR) community outreach grant program
The 2021 federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provided funds to support the success of lead service line replacement. The Wisconsin DNR received grant funds from the U.S. EPA and designated $4 million to provide financial assistance for outreach to municipal community public water systems carrying out lead service line replacements. This grant program focuses on community outreach efforts in support of an ongoing or upcoming lead service line replacement project.
What are municipal community public water systems?
A municipal community (MC) public water system serves 15 or more service connections or regularly serves a community of at least 25 residents, for at least six months of the year, and is owned by a city, town, village, county, sanitary district, other government entity or government-owned institution for congregate care or correction.
Eligibility
Eligibility
Who can apply?
To apply, you must be the employee of an eligible municipal community (MC) public water system and authorized to act on its behalf. To be eligible, the MC must have an upcoming or ongoing lead service line replacement project.
Project eligibility
The purpose of the project must be to conduct community outreach to residents served by the municipal community public water system in support of an ongoing or upcoming LSL replacement project. Outreach activities can include:
- Educating community members who will be impacted by the LSL replacement
- Promoting cooperation from customers who may have private LSLs eligible for replacement
- Informing customers of public health information about LSLs and actions to protect health before, during or after the LSL replacement
See the grant announcement for detailed information about eligibility requirements.
Applying
Applying
Complete applications will be reviewed and accepted in the order they are received. Applications will be accepted continually until April 30, 2025, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. See the grant announcement for details on how to apply. If you have any questions, please email DNRLSLROutreachGrants@wisconsin.gov.
Step 1: Review the Eligibility tab and the grant announcement to verify your eligibility.
Step 2: Complete your application materials and send all required documents to: DNRLSLROutreachGrants@wisconsin.gov. The DNR will only review submittals with complete applications and attachments.
Step 3: The DNR will notify you if you are approved for a grant award. The DNR will only reimburse costs incurred after the award date.
Application materials
A complete application includes the following:
- LSLR Community Outreach Grant Application
- Required attachments as described in the application form
Deadlines
Deadlines
Complete applications will be accepted and reviewed in the order they are received. Applications will be accepted continually until April 30, 2025, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
Application period deadline: April 30, 2025
Funding
Funding
Eligible projects may be funded up to $150,000. There is no cost-share requirement for this grant.
The department is allocating $4 million for eligible outreach projects in support of lead service line replacement. Funding for this grant program is provided to the State of Wisconsin by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 (BIL). All projects must comply with applicable federal laws (see the grant announcement for more details on federal requirements).
Reimbursement
Reimbursement
Grant award payments are made on a reimbursement basis. Grantees may submit reimbursement requests quarterly for actual and eligible expenses incurred.
Reimbursement materials
Reimbursement materials will be available soon.
Resources
Grant resources
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does this grant pay for lead service line replacement?
No, this grant does not cover lead service line replacement. Rather, this grant reimburses costs related to outreach efforts for lead service line (LSL) replacement projects carried out by municipal community public water systems (MC). Grantees will use the grant funds to support the success of their LSL replacement projects through outreach, which will directly benefit their communities through improved water quality and decreased health risks. While expenses may need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, eligible activities are listed in the LSLR Community Outreach Grant Announcement.
Why does this grant not pay for lead service line replacement?
The funding for this grant, which comes from set-asides from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is not allowed to be used for any type of construction costs, including LSL replacement.
Which MC systems are eligible to apply for this grant?
MC systems that have an upcoming or ongoing LSL replacement project are eligible to apply. An upcoming LSL replacement project is one with an anticipated start date for construction that is within the two-year grant performance period. An ongoing LSL replacement project is one that has started, but not finished, construction at the time of application. Both private-side and public-side replacement projects are eligible, although the DNR advises that lead service lines be replaced in their entirety.
Are MC systems receiving LSL loan funds through the SDWLP eligible to apply for this grant?
An MC system that has been approved to receive funding for an LSL project through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) is eligible to apply for this grant if they can demonstrate a need for supplemental funding for outreach activities.
Who can submit an application for this grant?
To submit an application on behalf of an eligible MC system, you must be an employee of the water system or authorized to act on its behalf.
How can an MC system apply for this grant?
Interested applicants should review the LSLR Community Outreach Grant Announcement for detailed information on eligibility and how to prepare an application. The application collects details about the water system’s LSLR project, the water system itself, the community the system serves, and the water system’s plan for their outreach efforts. The department will review grant applications in the order they are received.
What if the number of lead service lines that will be replaced as part of the LSL replacement project is unknown?
It is understood that the lead service line inventory may not be completed. Applications should be completed as accurately as possible. Additional information should be provided to the department as it becomes available.
Can a grantee contract with third parties to complete outreach activities?
Yes, grantees are allowed to contract with third parties to meet the diverse outreach needs of the municipality. If a prospective applicant plans to contract with one or more third parties, their application must provide context and justification for their plans to establish these contracts.
How will applicants be prioritized and scored for this grant?
Completed applications for the first cycle of this grant will be reviewed in the order they are received and awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. Applications will be reviewed based on the eligibility requirements for this grant and may be prioritized by the DNR by the following factors:
- A significant need for outreach in order to protect public health.
- The urgency of the need for funds, including to support outreach for ongoing or imminent LSL replacement projects.
- The projected timeline of the LSL replacement projects.
How long will it take to receive a grant award letter?
Once the DNR receives a complete application, applicants will receive a grant award letter within 2-3 months indicating whether their application has been approved or denied.
How much funding can an MC system receive from this grant?
The maximum grant amount is $150,000 for the first application cycle.
Can contracted third parties be reimbursed directly by the DNR?
The grantee will be reimbursed for all eligible expenses. Contracted third parties will not be reimbursed.
When can grantees start doing work that will be reimbursed?
Grantees can start outreach efforts as soon as the grant agreement is signed. The department will reimburse approved outreach expenses on a quarterly basis after proper documentation is submitted. Any expenses incurred prior to the signed grant agreement will not be reimbursed.
What is the grant performance period?
The grant performance period is two years from the date that the grant agreement is signed.
What are the reporting requirements?
Grantees are required to report on the progress of their outreach project quarterly to the DNR. Reporting details are available under the “Reimbursement” tab.
Contacts
Contacts
For any questions about the grant program, contact:
DNRLSLROutreachGrants@wisconsin.gov