EPA Technical Assistance and Training for Rural, Small and Tribal Municipalities and Wastewater Treatment Systems (EPA-OW-OWM-26-01)

EPA is investing $25.5 million in cooperative agreements with nonprofits and universities to deliver free wastewater technical assistance and training to rural, small, and tribal communities.

Under Clean Water Act section 104(b)(8), EPA posted a $25.5 million notice of funding opportunity (EPA-OW-OWM-26-01) to fund approximately 12 cooperative agreements, up to $3 million each, for technical assistance and training to rural, small, and tribal municipalities, publicly owned treatment works, and decentralized wastewater systems. The provider application window closed August 14, 2026, but the resulting awards matter to H2O members because they determine who will be delivering free wastewater TA in the region over the next several years. Priority areas are (1) TA and training for rural, small, and tribal municipalities on planning, developing, and securing financing for eligible projects, (2) tribal-focused TA including emerging contaminants project development, and (3) information dissemination and TA focused specifically on decentralized wastewater systems. Construction, equipment, and rehabilitation costs are not eligible. Eligible applicants were nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education. Small communities across PA, OH, and WV should watch for award announcements and then contact the selected providers directly for no-cost assistance.