DES MOINES, IOWA (February 14, 2024) — The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) is excited to welcome a new feature to our Water Watch newsletter: the SRF Funding Spotlight. Iowa’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) is administered by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) to distribute funding for water infrastructure projects. These projects are split into two categories: the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). The funding is provided as low-interest loans which make the projects feasible and affordable for communities and create a sustainable source of funding year after year. These programs received an infusion of funds from the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which provide additional funding to the Iowa SRF for Federal Fiscal Years 2022-2026.
The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) funds projects for wastewater treatment and non-point source pollution. This includes projects like sewer-system improvements, green infrastructure for pollution reduction, and maintenance or rehabilitation of wastewater-treatment plants. With additional funding from the BIL, the CWSRF provides a little more than $24 million annually from 2022-2026, with just under half available as forgivable loans. Earlier this month, Iowa DNR announced plans to offer 0% interest loans in 2025 for projects that address non-point source pollution. These projects can help communities address fertilizer or stormwater pollution that degrades local streams. More information will be available in May. Since its inception in 1989, the CWSRF distributed more than $3.3 billion throughout Iowa.
The Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) funds public water system projects, including the sourcing, treatment, storage, distribution, and maintenance of drinking-water infrastructure. Public and private community water systems are eligible for DWSRF financial assistance. The DWSRF funds $28.5 million annually with additional funding from the BIL for 2022-2026, with just under half as forgivable loans. Since its inception in 1989, the DWSRF distributed more than $1 billion in Iowa.
The Energy and Infrastructure Funding Hub is a platform where IEC shares federal funding opportunities for Iowa communities, business, and individuals, including those provided by the SRF. In previous issues of Water Watch, IEC included water-related federal funding opportunities for projects throughout Iowa. With the installment of the SRF Funding Spotlight, coupled with our work on the Energy & Infrastructure Funding Hub website, we’re excited to provide more detailed information regarding key dates, funds available, and application information.
You can learn more about the projects funded by the Iowa SRF, the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and find application materials on the Iowa SRF website. If you have any questions about the SRF or other water-related funding opportunities, reach out to iecmail@iaenvironment.org.
