Overview
This program is designed to provide a low-cost financing method that communities can take advantage of to make sure they are meeting water-quality standards.
The program emphasizes:
- Watershed management priorities
- Stormwater management
- Green infrastructure
One major goal of the program is to encourage communities to undertake projects with meaningful water quality and public health benefits and which address the needs of the communities and the watersheds.
Eligible Projects
Funding is available for the planning and construction of projects including:
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CSO mitigation
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New wastewater treatment facilities and upgrades of existing facilities
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Infiltration/inflow correction
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Wastewater collection systems
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Nonpoint source pollution abatement projects, such as:
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Landfill capping
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Community programs for upgrading septic systems (Title 5)
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Brownfield remediation
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Pollution prevention
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Stormwater remediation
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In addition, non-structural projects are eligible for SRF funding, such as:
- Green infrastructure planning projects for nonpoint source problems which are consistent with the MassDEP’s Nonpoint Source Management Plan and that identify pollution sources and suggest potential remediation strategies.
- An enhanced loan subsidy is also available for certain wastewater nutrient management projects: Instructions for zero percent interest rate projects.
See:
Additional Resources for
Program Details
Competitive proposals:
- Will have demonstrable water quality benefits
- Will eliminate or mitigate a risk to public health
- Is needed to achieve or maintain compliance with applicable discharge permits or other water pollution control requirements
- Will implement or be consistent with watershed management plans (or addresses a watershed priority) and is consistent with local and regional growth plan
The current subsidy is provided via a 2% interest loan. In recent years the program has operated with $400 to $450 million per year, representing the financing of 50 to 70 projects annually.