Grants may be made to organizations as defined in §1775.35 to enable such organizations to assist associations to:

(a) Identify and evaluate solutions to water problems of associations in rural areas relating to source, storage, treatment, and/or distribution.

(b) Identify and evaluate solutions to waste problems of associations in rural areas relating to collection, treatment, and/or disposal.

(c) Prepare water and/or waste disposal loan/grant applications.

(d) Provide technical assistance/training to association personnel that will improve the management, operation, and maintenance of water and waste facilities.

(e) Identify options to enhance the long-term sustainability of rural water and waste systems, including operational practices, revenue enhancements, partnerships, consolidation, regionalization, or contract services.

(f) Address the contamination of drinking water and surface water supplies by emerging contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

(g) Pay the expenses associated with providing the technical assistance and/or training authorized in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section.

[70 FR 70878, Jan. 7, 2004, as amended at 85 FR 23210, Apr. 27, 2020]