Financial Assistance Programs – Grants and Loans

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Application Process

How do I apply for CWSRF financing?

To streamline the review process, the application is divided into four packages: General Information, Technical, Environmental, and Financial Security. CWSRF application materials are available online: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/srf_forms.shtml

Please see the Application Instructions for additional details, and instructions regarding submittal of the construction financing application: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/docs/forms/financial_assist_application_instructions.pdf.

What is the CWSRF Project List (PL)?

A project must be included on the Project List (PL) to be approved for CWSRF financing. CWSRF applicants do not need to take any specific action, however, to have their projects added to the PL. Division of Financial Assistance (DFA) staff will recommend that your project be included on the next PL update after we receive at least one of your application packages. CWSRF applicants should only start an application if they intend to submit a complete application within the next six to 12 months. CWSRF applications are accepted continuously, and the PL is generally updated on a quarterly basis. You can access the CWSRF PL at the link below. Please note, placement of a project on the PL does not constitute a commitment to provide financing. http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/docs/cwsrf/cwsrf_project_list.pdf

Should I bother placing a project on the CWSRF PL if I am pursuing a grant or loan somewhere else?

Yes, if your agency intends to keep CWSRF funding as an option and plans to submit an application for CWSRF funding.

What is the CWSRF Intended Use Plan (IUP)?

The IUP is required by the CWSRF Federal statutes and regulations. It is a planning document which outlines the State Water Board's business plans for the Program, and lists the projects anticipated to receive funding each Federal Fiscal Year. The IUP is typically adopted in the fall.

How are projects placed on the IUP List?

Projects are transferred from the PL to the IUP based on DFA's determination of the project's 'Readiness to Proceed' (i.e., completeness of CWSRF application materials). You can access the current IUP online: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/index.shtml.

How does DFA prioritize CWSRF projects?

Currently the prioritization and funding is based on the project's 'Readiness to Proceed' (i.e., completeness of CWSRF application materials). If the State Water Board lacks sufficient funds to fund all projects with complete applications, then the Division will first fund projects based on project class, A being the highest class and E being the lowest class, giving priority within the class to the SDAC with the lowest median household income, and then to the project that most effectively addresses sustainability and global climate change.

What does the general CWSRF environmental review process entail?

The CWSRF Program federally funded. Therefore, the State Water Board must document that projects meet federal cross-cutter requirements. This is applicable to all projects funded through the CWSRF Program. More information is available on the State Water Board Website: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/cwsrf_requirements.shtml

Where can I find information about the requirements for Davis Bacon and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE)?

Additional guidance regarding Davis Bacon and DBE is available online: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/srf_templates.shtml