Financial Assistance Programs – Grants and Loans

Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Funding Information

1. What is the CWSRF interest rate?
2. How much CWSRF money is available during each year?
3. How much is the typical dollar amount for a CWSRF financing agreement?
4. What is the maximum CWSRF financing term?
5. How are the CWSRF funds disbursed?
6. How soon can we expect our CWSRF check once we've submitted our disbursement for review and processing?
7. Are construction change orders eligible for reimbursement?
8. Are CWSRF recipients required to follow competitive bid laws?
9. What about Pre-Award Approval of equipment purchased to support long-lead time material procurement requirements?

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1. What is the CWSRF interest rate?
   The interest rate is set at one-half of the most recent State General Obligation Bond Rate. During the last 10 years it has ranged between 1.7% to 2.9% per year. A more detailed history is available online: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/srf/docs/trueinterestcost.pdf

2. How much CWSRF money is available during each year?
   Typically at least $200-$300 million annually with the ability to obtain more, as necessary.

3. How much is the typical dollar amount for a CWSRF financing agreement?
   There is no typical dollar amount. The dollar value of financing agreements has ranged from under $1 million to more than $350 million. There is no upper limit for an eligible project.

4. What is the maximum CWSRF financing term?
   The maximum CWSRF financing term (repayment period) is 30 yearss.

5. How are the CWSRF funds disbursed?
   CWSRF funds are disbursed after execution of the financing agreement. Funds are disbursed on a cost-incurred basis. Planning and design costs can be reimbursed prior to the start of construction, once the financing agreement is executed. Construction costs are not reimbursed until after the construction bid is selected and the Final Budget Approval is incorporated into the agreement. Depending on the timing of the bid process, incorporation of the Final Budget Approval can occur either as part of the initial financing agreement, or subsequently as an amendment to the financing agreement.

6. How soon can we expect our CWSRF check once we've submitted our disbursement for review and processing?
   Generally within 30 days from the date our office receives the recipient's completed disbursement request with all required documentation.

7. Are construction change orders eligible for reimbursement?
   The contingency amount estimated in the CWSRF application can be used to pay for eligible change orders approved by the Division. The requested contingency amount is subject to credit review and approval by the Division.

8. Are CWSRF recipients required to follow competitive bid laws?
   Each recipient has the ultimate responsibility to ensure compliance with state and federal procurement requirements.

9. What about Pre-Award Approval of equipment purchased to support long-lead time material procurement requirements?
   DFA can allow pre-approval of equipment purchased to support a project. The recipient is responsible for ensuring the appropriate advertising and solicitation of equipment was performed.

 

(Updated 9/11/14)