Solid Waste Management Grant Program | SWMFY2019

Opportunity Information: Apply for SWMFY2019

The Solid Waste Management Grant Program is a discretionary grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Utilities Programs, focused on improving solid waste management practices in rural communities, especially where landfill conditions may pose risks to local water resources. The core purpose of the program is to fund technical support activities that help rural areas better assess, manage, and plan for landfill operations and closures in a way that protects public health and the environment, with a strong emphasis on preventing contamination and strengthening operator capacity through hands-on assistance and training.

Grant funds can be used for several practical, service-oriented activities. A major allowable use is evaluating current landfill conditions to identify potential threats to water resources in rural areas, which can include technical reviews and assessments designed to pinpoint risks and recommend corrective actions. The program also supports technical assistance and training that improves the skills of landfill operators who run active rural landfills, particularly around maintenance and day-to-day operational practices that reduce environmental hazards and improve compliance. In addition, the grants can support assistance and training for associations and similar entities seeking to reduce the overall solid waste stream, which generally means helping communities adopt better waste reduction practices, education efforts, or operational strategies that decrease what ultimately ends up in landfills. Another key eligible activity is helping operators of rural landfills that are already closed or likely to close soon, including the development and implementation of closure plans, planning for future land use, establishing safety and maintenance procedures, and building realistic closure schedules that align with permit requirements. Taken together, the program is structured to strengthen rural solid waste systems through planning, training, and technical expertise rather than through building or purchasing infrastructure.

The opportunity also sets clear boundaries on what it will not fund, reinforcing that it is not intended as a construction or capital improvement program. Funds cannot be used to recruit or prepare pre-applications or applications for any other loan or grant program, including the Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Water and Waste Disposal Loan and/or Grant Program. It also prohibits paying for services that would duplicate existing services or replace support that has previously been provided, such as work typically performed by an association's consultant in developing a project. Political activities are not allowable. The grant may not pay for capital assets, real estate purchases, or vehicles, and it cannot be used to improve or renovate office space. It also cannot be used to repair or maintain privately owned property. Importantly, it does not cover construction or operation and maintenance costs for water and waste facilities, and it cannot reimburse costs incurred before the grant is effective under 7 CFR 1775. In practical terms, the program is meant to pay for expertise, planning, assessment, and training, not physical development or routine operating expenses.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, the program is listed under Funding Opportunity Number SWMFY2019 and CFDA (now often referenced as Assistance Listing) 10.762, with activity categories tied to Community Development and Environment. The award ceiling is $1,000,000, and the opportunity anticipated around 30 awards. The original posting date was October 1, 2018, with an original closing date of December 31, 2018. Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with the expectation that applicants consult the program's additional eligibility language to confirm which kinds of organizations qualify. Overall, the grant is best suited for organizations positioned to deliver training, technical assistance, assessments, and planning support that help rural communities reduce solid waste impacts and manage landfill operations and closures responsibly.

• The Department of Agriculture, Utilities Programs in the community development, environment sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Solid Waste Management Grant Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.762.
• This funding opportunity was created on Oct 01, 2018.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Dec 31, 2018. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,000,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 30 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for SWMFY2019

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