Lead service line replacement outreach funding
Lead service line replacement (LSLR) community outreach grant program
The 2021 federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) provided funds to support the success of lead service line replacement. The Wisconsin DNR received grant funds from the U.S. EPA and designated $4 million to provide financial assistance for outreach to municipal community public water systems carrying out lead service line replacements.
What are municipal community public water systems?
A municipal community (MC) public water system serves 15 or more service connections or regularly serves a community of at least 25 residents, for at least six months of the year, and is owned by a city, town, village, county, sanitary district, other government entity or government-owned institution for congregate care or correction.
Funding
Funding
The department allocated $4 million to fund eligible outreach projects in support of lead service line replacement. Funding for this grant was provided to the State of Wisconsin by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law of 2021 (BIL). The cycle one grant recipients highlighted in the map include: Appleton, Ashland, Cudahy, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Milwaukee, New Richmond, Racine, Shell Lake, Shorewood, Two Rivers, Wausau, Wauwatosa and Whitefish Bay.
LSLR Community Outreach Grants
Green Highlighted Areas Represent Counties with Cycle One Grant Recipients
Reimbursement
Reimbursement
Grant award payments are made on a reimbursement basis. Grantees may submit partial reimbursement requests quarterly for actual and eligible expenses incurred within the grant performance period. All costs submitted must be documented and consistent with the grant agreement. The DNR may withhold 20% of grant award funds for final payment.
Progress reports [DOCX] are due to the DNR quarterly on January 15, April 15, July 15 and October 15 for the duration of the grant performance period. Failure to submit reports in a timely manner may delay reimbursement request approval.
Reimbursement materials
Resources
Grant resources
Outreach resources
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does this grant pay for lead service line replacement or inventory costs?
No, this grant does not cover lead service line replacement or related inventory costs. Rather, this grant reimburses costs related to outreach efforts for lead service line (LSL) replacement projects carried out by municipal community public water systems (MC). Grantees will use the grant funds to support the success of their LSL replacement projects through outreach, which will directly benefit their communities through improved water quality and decreased health risks. While expenses may need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, eligible activities are listed in the LSLR Community Outreach Grant Announcement.
Why does this grant not pay for lead service line replacement?
The funding for this grant, which comes from set-asides from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is not allowed to be used for any type of construction costs, including LSL replacement.
Is the creation of a GIS community dashboard an eligible expense?
Yes, the creation of a GIS community dashboard is an eligible expense as long as it will be publicly available for residents to obtain information about the LSL replacement project.
Are water filters an eligible expense?
No, purchasing water filters is not an eligible expense due to the guidelines for this grant’s funding source.
Can a grantee contract with third parties to complete outreach activities?
Yes, grantees are allowed to contract with third parties to meet the diverse outreach needs of the municipality.
Can contracted third parties be reimbursed directly by the DNR?
The grantee will be reimbursed for all eligible expenses. Contracted third parties will not be reimbursed.
When can grantees start doing work that will be reimbursed?
Grantees can start outreach efforts as soon as the grant agreement is signed. The department will reimburse approved outreach expenses on a quarterly basis after proper documentation is submitted. Any expenses incurred prior to the signed grant agreement will not be reimbursed.
What is the grant performance period?
The grant performance period is two years from the date that the grant agreement is signed.
What are the reporting requirements?
Grantees are required to report on the progress of their outreach project quarterly to the DNR. Reporting details are available under the “Reimbursement” tab.
Contacts
Contacts
For any questions about the grant program, contact:
DNRLSLROutreachGrants@wisconsin.gov