Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Alaska 

  • Title: Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Alaska
  • This program helps eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water.
  • Eligible Applicants:
    • Rurally located public bodies
    • Nonprofit organizations
    • Federally recognized tribes
  • Applicants must show that a major decline in quantity or quality of water occurred within two years of the date of the application. Grants are also awarded when a significant decline in quality and quantity of water is imminent.
  • Events that qualify as an emergency:
    • Drought or flood
    • Earthquake
    • Tornado or hurricane
    • Disease outbreak
    • Chemical spill, leak or seepage
    • Other disasters
  • NOTE: A federal disaster declaration is not required.
What is an eligible area?
  • Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less — check eligible addresses
  • Tribal lands in rural areas
  • Colonias
The area to be served must also have a median household income less-than the state’s median household income for non-metropolitan areas. Contact your local RD office for details.
How may the funds be used?
  • Water transmission line grants up to $150,000 to construct waterline extensions, repair breaks or leaks in existing water distribution lines, and address related maintenance necessary to replenish the water supply
  • Water source grants up to $1,000,000 for the construction of new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, treatment plants, and/or other sources of water (water source up to and including the treatment plant)
Are matching funds required?
  • Partnerships with other federal, state, local, private and nonprofit entities are encouraged
How do we get started?
  • Applications for this program are accepted year round,
    online through RD APPLY or through your local RD office.
  • Program resources are available online (forms, guidance, certifications, etc.).
Who can answer questions?