DUDEK - Securing Infrastructure Funding

Management Support

Securing Funds to Meet Infrastructure Needs, Regulatory Mandates

California’s water/wastewater infrastructure graded C+
The C+ grades awarded to California’s water and wastewater infrastructure in the recent annual report card issued by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reflected a good news/bad news story. The wastewater system generally performs adequately; however conditions around the state vary greatly depending upon system age, ongoing investment, and rehabilitation, the report stated. Water infrastructure fared worse. The report flatly stated “significant investment is needed.”

Estimated statewide price tags are $2.3 billion for wastewater infrastructure and $4 billion for water infrastructure, according to the report.

Funding Strategies
June Collins, Dudek’s environmental services manager, said successful funding efforts often incorporate these steps:

Evaluate all available funding avenues. Identify funding sources and how they can help achieve your infrastructure goals. Funding sources can include:
- Agency funds
- Assessment districts
- Development fees
- Grants
- Loans
- Incentives
- Appropriations
- Partnerships (project financing or in-kind)
Consider blending funding options. Utilizing a blend of funding sources can achieve your project goal. This may include combining enterprise funds, a low-interest loan, a grant and/or partnership funding. Plan early and resourcefully.
Improve your odds for winning grants. Grants are vital in supplementing agency funding programs. Take advantage of the numerous grant funding options by focusing on seven essential aspects of successful grant funding programs:
- Utilize project knowledge
- Understand funding and legislative intent
- Build strong relationships with funding agencies
- Implement a “writing to win” approach
- Demonstrate a readiness to proceed
- Streamline the process
- Educate staff members on effective grant writing techniques
Plan the funding process into your project scheme. Grant programs require that an implemented project demonstrate a readiness to proceed. Projects meeting the funding agency’s requirements are more compelling to fund. · Plan for the regulatory process. Grant programs that fund regulatory-required projects typically require that the proposed project meet the requirement, be ready to proceed, and utilize demonstrated technology.

SERVICES

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