Application Information and Instructions

PURPOSE: The purpose of this program is to provide financial assistance (GRANT) for eligible local and regional water resource projects within the Sabine River Basin of Texas, which are consistent with the statutory mission of the Sabine River Authority of Texas (SRA). Created as a conservation and reclamation district in 1949, responsibilities of SRA are to control, store, preserve and distribute the waters of the Sabine River and its tributary system for useful purposes.

FUNDING: SRA is prepared to provide funds through a competitive grant process for water resource projects, which include water supply, wastewater management, water conservation and water quality. Grant packages will be reviewed quarterly. Grant requests should not exceed $10,000 per project.

Funding Cycles

· Applications for the Community Assistance Grant Program (CAP-GRANTS) will be reviewed for funding four times a year. Grants may be awarded in March, July, October and December. There is no set funding objective for each funding cycle. Projects may be reviewed in one cycle and approved for funding in another cycle. Applications will be kept on file for one year. Applicants will be notified if their project is being considered for another cycle.

· The CAP-GRANTS Review Committee will have the discretion to recommend awarding a grant amount lower than the requested amount.

· The Review Committee will present funding recommendations to the SRA Board of Directors at their quarterly meetings. All applicants will be notified as to the status of their application after Board review.

· Grant checks for successful applicants will be distributed following the execution of a letter of agreement with the recipient.

ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS:

Governmental Entities that are:

Cities / Counties within the boundaries of the Sabine River Basin of Texas
General and special law districts in accordance with state law, and with the authority and responsibility for water quality protection or solid waste management and located within the Sabine River Basin (Special Utility Districts; Municipal Utility Districts)
Councils of Government or other governmental entities in the Sabine River Basin, Texas

Water Supply Corporations that are:

Non-profit and member owned
Audited annually by a certified public accounting firm

ELIGIBLE PROJECT CATEGORIES:

· Water Supply – new or existing system improvements

· Wastewater Management – new or existing system improvements

· Water Conservation – measures to promote water use efficiency

· Water Quality – measures to improve instream water quality

ELIGIBLE COSTS:

Feasibility Studies or Reports
Materials and Supplies
Construction Costs

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS:

The funds must be used within 12 months of the award date the grant money.
During the fiscal year funded, the recipient agrees to provide project information to SRA.
Upon completion of the project, the recipient agrees to notify SRA.

PROJECT RATING CRITERIA:

· Match to Mission of SRA

· Location within the Sabine River Basin

· Local Commitment and Support

Grant funds used with other state or federal funding programs will be given special consideration.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

There are two separate applications in the grant program: 1) Governmental entities, and 2) Water Supply Corporations. Please type or print all information requested on the appropriate application. Include a daytime phone number for the contact person.
Please note that Water Supply Corporation applications have additional information requirements and require a copy of their last audit with submittal of their application.
Project Description: (Additional sheets may be attached to the application if needed) The project description should include (a) an overall description and location of the project; (b) how the funds from SRA will be used; (c) how your project will positively impact or benefit your region, county or city; (d) who will maintain the project; (e) if applicable, whether or not all other funding sources (state, federal, etc.) have been approved; (f) the local commitment and support of the project; (g) any in-kind contributions to the project and their dollar value; and (h) the timeline of the project showing estimated start-up and completion dates. Specify if the work is required by a schedule imposed by a court order, EPA administrative order, or TNRCC enforcement order.
Please call CAP Coordinator, Ann Galassi at (409) 746-2192 or email at agalassi@sra.dst.tx.us with any questions.
Before the deadline shown on the application, send one original application and one copy to the address below:

Sabine River Authority of Texas

Community Assistance GRANTS Program

P. O. Box 579

Orange, TX 77631