July 17, 2009

RE: Notice of available financing for projects - Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)

Dear Interested Party:

The Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is pleased to announce the availability of financing for Drinking Water infrastructure projects through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) loan program for calendar year 2010. Financial assistance will be provided in the form of 2% interest loans for projects that improve or protect drinking water systems. The amount of financing available for the program in calendar year 2010 will be determined just prior to the publishing of the Draft Intended Use Plan. Financing is available for Construction, Construction Management and Water System Master Planning costs. Design and Land Acquisition will not be financed through this program from 2010 DWSRF financial assistance.

The MassDEP reviews and approves project proposals, selecting those that will receive financial assistance on the basis of a competitive process. Selection criteria evaluate significant public health benefits of proposed projects and the project's ability to restore or maintain compliance with a drinking water Maximum contaminant Level (MCLs). Proponents demonstrating these attributes will receive the highest rankings. Proponents should fill out and submit the Project Evaluation Form (PEF), which is available at: http://mass.gov/dep/water/approvals/srfforms.htm.

There have been two substantial changes to the DWSRF solicitation for 2010. The first is that new rating criteria with a point value of up to 22 points have been made available for projects that promote the Commonwealths goals of energy efficiency and incorporation of renewable energy components at drinking water facilities.  The second change is that previously assigned maximum points available relative to Sustainable Development principles under the Commonwealth Capital application have been adjusted to better reflect the successful incorporation of this program's goals as a standard operating consideration within the DWSRF solicitation process.  Applicants should note that the Commonwealth Capital Application process is separate from the SRF process.  Complete information concerning the Commonwealth Capital Application is available here. Additional Information regarding the Growth District Initiative can be found here. Additional Information regarding the Smart Growth Districts (MGL Ch 40R) can be found here. The Commonwealth Capital Application should be submitted no later than close of business on October 15, 2009.

The Project Rating criteria that the Department will employ and the instructions and guidance for preparing the 2010 DWSRF Project Evaluation Form are found at: http://mass.gov/dep/water/approvals/srfforms.htm.  Hard copies of the PEF are available at MassDEP offices (Regional Offices and Boston).

If Congress provides a second round of Stimulus funding through the SRF, MassDEP will use the 2010 PEF solicitation to provide the eligible proposals to access that funding.  If Green infrastructure is a component of a second round, we would expect to nominate proposals in two categories.  First, we have added energy efficiency and renewable energy generation criteria specifically to encourage system operators to include that type of work in their proposals.  Second, as has been the case for some years, non-traditional water quality improvement projects are eligible for SRF financing.  We anticipate that most if not all of a 20% green infrastructure set-aside for a second round of Stimulus could be met in that manner.

If you have any questions about the forms or the program, you are encouraged to contact the appropriate regional DMS Lead staff person.

Northeast Region: Kevin Brander (978-694-3236)
Southeast Region: Richard Keith (508-946-2784)
Central Region: Paul Anderson (508-767-2802)
Western Region: Deirdre Cabral  (413-755-2148)

Applicants should deliver one (1) complete paper copy and one (1) electronic version of the PEF on compact disc, preferably in a PDF format, no later than 12:00 noon on Friday, September 18, 2009 to:

David A. DeLorenzo, Deputy Director
Division of Municipal Services
1 Winter Street, 6th Floor
Boston, MA 02108

Sincerely,

David A. DeLorenzo,  Deputy Director
Division of Municipal Services

Printer-friendly version: MS Word 40 KB