The EPA provides technical assistance (TA) to help communities identify water infrastructure needs, plan for capital improvements, maintain regulatory compliance, improve resiliency, build capacity, and apply for the range of eligible projects under various grant programs. TA is provided through direct interactions with water utilities and communities. Through this grant program, the EPA seeks to support communities at the drinking water system level, including operational, environmental, and financial resource challenges they face. The funds included in this opportunity will ensure that vital services are provided and reach the drinking water systems in communities that need them most. Funding will be provided to assist small drinking water systems, small publicly owned wastewater systems, and onsite/decentralized wastewater systems and private well owners. Infrastructure projects such as repairing water or sewer lines, adding new equipment, or upgrading, retrofitting, or rehabilitating existing equipment, are not eligible for funding under this announcement.

TA providers are expected to collaborate with states, Tribes, and territories to facilitate dialogue with communities focused on local needs and proposed solutions. The EPA is committed to providing technical assistance to meet the needs of utilities and communities.

The EPA is soliciting applications from eligible applicants for training and technical assistance projects in three National Priority Areas. EPA expects to make at least one award in each National Priority Area and may redistribute the awards per area based on the quality of applications received and other applicable considerations.

• National Priority Area 1: Training and Technical Assistance for Small Public Water Systems to Achieve and Maintain Compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), including Improving Financial and Managerial Capacity
• National Priority Area 2: Training and Technical Assistance for Small Publicly Owned Wastewater Systems and Onsite/Decentralized Wastewater Systems to Help Improve Water Quality and Sustainable Operations
• National Priority Area 3: Training and Technical Assistance for Private Drinking Water Well Owners to Help Improve Water Quality