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Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grants

Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grants

Overview

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is seeking applications for the Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant. As a reimbursement grant, this program will be assisting the food and agriculture industry to ensure compliance with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) wastewater regulations under the Part 31, Water Resources Protection, of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451, as amended (NREPA), MCL 324.3101 et seq. (Part 31); and Part 22, Groundwater Quality, administrative rules promulgated pursuant to Part 31.

Beginning August 8, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. EST, applications will be accepted continually until the funding is exhausted. The grant cycle is determined by funding awarded and distributed to approved projects.

Select one of the following Wastewater Permit/Connection Type:

Criteria

The following criteria will be used to determine the business’ wastewater infrastructure needs. Projects with Groundwater Permits from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) must meet the below requirements for consideration for the grant from a technical standpoint.

  • The reimbursement grant is open to existing agriculture and food processors located in Michigan, who are under an Administrative Consent Order, compliance and enforcement action, or have a Schedule of Compliance found in a state Groundwater Discharge from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
  • The facility will be obtaining a Groundwater Discharge permit for food and beverage processing.
  • The focus of this grant opportunity is on fruit, vegetable, dairy products, meat, egg, and grain processing.
  • The company is in good standing and compliance with MDARD.
  • The program is for existing companies with active operations.
  • Only one proposal per applicant facility location or permit number will be awarded.
  • MDARD will monitor applicant funding requests and funding will be allocated based by the Tiered Funding System to ensure companies of all sizes are able to receive funding.
  • Companies must be able to cover the full costs of their project, before being reimbursed based upon the tiered funding system.

Eligible Investments

Eligible wastewater investment costs include the following items:

  • Prework – sampling and analysis, site review work
  • Engineering design
  • Installation and contractual labor
  • Equipment
  • Construction materials
  • Land application equipment
  • Business Plan
  • Operation & Maintenance Manual
  • Sampling and Analysis Plan
  • Discharge Management Plan
  • Certified Operator Training
  • Construction and design – As-Builts stamped by Professional Engineer (P.E.)
  • Pump & haul contractual costs up to 10% of the total grant amount, and
  • Direct staff/employee salaries, wages, benefits capped at 10% of total grant amount

Ineligible Investments

Ineligible wastewater investment costs include:

  • Administrative Fees
  • Consulting Fees for activities not listed in the eligible wastewater investment costs items above.
  • Bid out documents, need the actual receipts as proof of purchase/investment is required.
  • Land acquisition
  • Purchase of a building or facility
  • Indirect costs are not allowed under this grant program. Indirect costs are defined as the expenses of doing business that are not readily identified within the project but are necessary for the general operation of the organization and the implementation proposal related activities.
  • Direct staff/employee salaries, wages, and benefits unrelated to the project.
  • Travel costs related to day-to-day operations.

Milestones for Reimbursement

Groundwater Permitted Facilities

The following milestones will be required by the applicant if grant funds are awarded:

  • Basis of Design, stamped by Professional Engineer and approved by EGLE
  • Issued EGLE Permit, or Certificate of Coverage
  • Discharge Management Plan, approved by EGLE
  • Operation & Maintenance Manual, approved by EGLE
  • Sampling and Analysis Plan, approved by EGLE
  • As-Builts, stamped by Professional Engineer, confirmed by EGLE technical staff
  • Confirmation of Compliance by EGLE, as verified in EGLE inspection report

 

Program Funding

Funding to a facility is based on daily flow and overall project investment. A grant to an individual system shall not exceed $2,000,000. A facility is required to cover 50% of the total eligible investment costs from other funding sources. Below are the funding ranges based on daily flow and overall project investment.

 

Funding Tiers - Groundwater Permit

Tier

Daily Flow
(Gallons per Day)

 Award Range
Tier 1 Up to 750 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $225,000
Tier 2 751 to 1,500 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $350,000
Tier 3 1,501 to 3,000 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $500,000
Tier 4 3,001 to 10,000 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $1,000,000
Tier 5 10,000 to 20,000 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $1,500,000
Tier 6 20,001 and over 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $2,000,000

Criteria

The following criteria will be used to determine the business’ wastewater infrastructure needs. Projects must meet the below requirements for consideration for the grant from a technical standpoint.

  • The reimbursement grant is open to existing agriculture and food processors located in Michigan, who are under an Administrative Consent Order, compliance and enforcement action, or have a Schedule of Compliance found in a state National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit or Certificate of Coverage from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
  • The facility will be obtaining a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for food and beverage processing.
  • The focus of this grant opportunity is on fruit, vegetable, dairy products, meat, egg, and grain processing.
  • The company is in good standing and compliance with MDARD.
  • The company is in good standing with the State of Michigan.
  • The program is for existing companies with active operations.
  • Only one proposal per applicant facility location or permit number will be awarded.
  • MDARD will monitor applicant funding requests and funding will be allocated based by the Tiered Funding System to ensure companies of all sizes are able to receive funding.
  • Companies must be able to cover the full costs of their project, before being reimbursed based upon the tiered funding system.

Eligible Investments

Eligible wastewater investment costs include the following items:

  • Prework – sampling and analysis, site review work
  • Engineering design
  • Installation and contractual labor
  • Equipment
  • Construction materials
  • Land application equipment
  • Business Plan
  • Operation & Maintenance Manual
  • Certified Operator Training
  • Construction and design – As-Builts stamped by Professional Engineer (P.E.)
  • Pump & haul contractual costs up to 10% of the total grant amount
  • Direct staff/employee salaries, wages, benefits capped at 10% of total grant amount

Ineligible Investments

Ineligible wastewater investment costs include:

  • Administrative Fees
  • Consulting Fees for activities not listed in the eligible wastewater investment costs items above.
  • Bid out documents, need the actual receipts as proof of purchase/investment is required.
  • Land acquisition
  • Purchase of a building or facility
  • Indirect costs are not allowed under this grant program.  Indirect costs are defined as the expenses of doing business that are not readily identified within the project but are necessary for the general operation of the organization and the implementation proposal related activities.
  • Direct staff/employee salaries, wages, and benefits unrelated to the project.
  • Travel costs related to day-to-day operations.

Milestones for Reimbursement

National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permitted Facilities

The following milestones will be required by the applicant if grant funds are awarded:

  • Basis of Design, stamped by Professional Engineer and approved by EGLE, if applicable
  • Issued EGLE Permit
  • As-Builts, stamped by Professional Engineer, as appropriate
  • Confirmation of meeting Administrative Consent Order Compliance Program, as applicable
  • Confirmation of Compliance by EGLE, as verified in EGLE inspection report

Program Funding

Funding to a facility is based on daily flow, lift station requirements for municipal connections, and overall project investment. A grant to an individual system shall not exceed $2,000,000. A facility is required to cover 50% of the total eligible investment costs from other funding sources. Below are the funding ranges based on daily flow and overall project investment.

 

Funding Tiers - NPDES Permit

Tier Permit Flow Category Award Range
Tier 1 ≤ 0.20 MGD 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $750,000
Tier 2 0.21 to 0.50 MGD 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $1,000,000
Tier 3 0.51 to 1.0 MGD 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $1,500,000
Tier 4 > 1.0 MGD 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $2,000,000

Criteria

The following criteria will be used to determine the business’ wastewater infrastructure needs. Projects must meet the below requirements for consideration for the grant from a technical standpoint.

  • The reimbursement grant is open to existing agriculture and food processors located in Michigan, who are under an Administrative Consent Order, compliance and enforcement action, or have a Schedule of Compliance found in a state Groundwater Discharge or National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit or Certificate of Coverage from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
  • The facility will address compliance with EGLE’s Part 31, by connecting to a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).
  • The focus of this grant opportunity is on fruit, vegetable, dairy products, meat, egg, and grain processing.
  • The company is in good standing and compliance with MDARD.
  • The company is in good standing with the State of Michigan.
  • The program is for existing companies with active operations.
  • Only one proposal per applicant facility location or permit number will be awarded.
  • MDARD will monitor applicant funding requests and funding will be allocated based by the Tiered Funding System to ensure companies of all sizes are able to receive funding.
  • Companies must be able to cover the full costs of their project, before being reimbursed based upon the tiered funding system.

Eligible Investments

Eligible wastewater investment costs include the following items:

  • Prework – sampling and analysis, site review work
  • Engineering design
  • Installation and contractual labor
  • Equipment
  • Construction materials
  • Business Plan
  • Operation & Maintenance Manual
  • Construction and design – As-Builts stamped by Professional Engineer (P.E.), and
  • Direct staff/employee salaries, wages, benefits capped at 10% of total grant amount

Ineligible Investments

Ineligible wastewater investment costs include:

  • Administrative Fees
  • Consulting Fees for activities not listed in the eligible wastewater investment costs items above.
  • Bid out documents, need the actual receipts as proof of purchase/investment is required.
  • Land acquisition
  • Purchase of a building or facility
  • Indirect costs are not allowed under this grant program.Indirect costs are defined as the expenses of doing business that are not readily identified within the project but are necessary for the general operation of the organization and the implementation proposal related activities.
  • Direct staff/employee salaries, wages, and benefits unrelated to the project.
  • Travel costs related to day-to-day operations.

Milestones for Reimbursement

Groundwater and NPDES Permitted Facilities connecting to a Municipal WWTP

The following milestones will be required by the applicant if grant funds are awarded:

  1. Facility to complete a wastewater characterization (including strength, volume, and timing of flows). Facility will provide documentation to MDARD that wastewater characterization has been provided and approved by the municipality.
  2. Facility to obtain an official signed agreement or memorandum of understanding from the local municipal sewer owner that confirms the following:
    1. The parameters set by local municipal sewer owner for wastewater strength, volume, and timing of flow.
    2. Confirmation that the municipal sewer owner can accept the facility’s wastewater volume (hydraulically) and strength (organically).
    3. Confirmation that accepting the wastewater is allowed in their sewer use ordinances.
    4. Whether the municipality has a Federal Industrial Pretreatment Program (FIPP) or Michigan Industrial Pretreatment Program (MIPP).
      1. If yes, municipality would send an industrial user survey or an Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) application to the facility.
    5. Official signed agreement or memorandum of understanding from the local municipal sewer owner provided to MDARD.
  3. Cost analysis completed by the facility. The cost analysis needs to include the cost to get the sewer to the facility location, connection to the sewer, if a lift station is needed, and any required pre-treatment and possible surcharge from the municipality (based on the organic strength of the wastewater). The cost analysis needs to be submitted to EGLE and MDARD. 
  4. EGLE will complete a review of the municipal sewer owner proposed to accept the wastewater. This would be done by either NPDES or GW staff, district engineers, or IPP staff to confirm that EGLE does not foresee compliance issues for the municipality. EGLE to provide results of review to MDARD.
  5. Documentation of formal notification by the facility to the municipality that they intend to connect.
  6. Approval from the municipality to accept the facility’s wastewater verified by receipt of a nondomestic user permit document for the facility from the municipality.
  7. Municipality provides MDARD an EGLE issued Part 41 permit for the new connection.
  8. Facility will enact any requirements from the municipality (such as pre-treatment).
  9. Evidence that facility has connected to the municipal sewer and has been granted approval to discharge to municipal sewer.
  10. EGLE confirmation of facility’s termination of Groundwater or NPDES Permit provided to MDARD through EGLE Permit Termination Letter.

Program Funding

Funding to a facility is based on lift station requirements for municipal connections and overall project investment. A grant to an individual system shall not exceed $2,000,000. A facility is required to cover 50% of the total eligible investment costs from other funding sources. Below are the funding ranges based on lift station requirements for municipal connections and overall project investment.

 

Funding Tiers - Groundwater Permit to Municipal WWTP

Tier Lift Station Required Award Range
Tier 1 No 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $1,000,000
Tier 2 Yes 50% of eligible investment, maximum grant award of $2,000,000

Application and Submission Process

Interested applicants may complete the online Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Pre-Qualification Form. This form will be used to determine a company and project’s eligibility for grant funding. Companies will be notified of eligibility and, if eligible, will be provided instructions via email, from MDARD-WIF@Michigan.gov, to complete a full application.

Additional Information

For more information about this funding opportunity, please contact the Food and Agriculture Business Development Division at MDARD-WIF@Michigan.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I know my company is eligible to participate in the program?
    The grant is open to agriculture and food processors located in Michigan who are under an Administrative Consent Order, Compliance and Enforcement Action, or have a Schedule of Compliance found in a Certificate of Coverage or state Groundwater Discharge Permit or National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit or Certificate of Coverage from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). This information is verified through EGLE and MiEnviro.

    Additionally, the program is for existing companies and the company must be in good standing and in compliance with MDARD. This information is verified through all MDARD bureaus and divisions. 

    How do I apply for the program?
    The Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Pre-Qualification Form is available above in the Application and Submission Process section. Once a pre-qualification form has been received and reviewed, an email from MDARD-WIF@Michigan.gov will be sent with questions and/or next steps, which may include instructions to complete a full application form in the MiAgGrants online application system. The program cycle is determined by funding allocations awarded to each project based on pre-qualification and application acceptance until funds are exhausted.

    What documentation do I need to provide to be qualified for the program?
    The Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Pre-Qualification Form will ask for the following:

    • Applicant must be under an Administrative Consent Order, compliance and enforcement action, or have a Schedule of Compliance found in a state Groundwater Discharge or National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit or Certificate of Coverage from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE),
    • EGLE Wastewater Permit Number or EGLE-Water Resources Division (WRD) Water Quality Compliance and Enforcement Action Number,
    • Project Location,
    • Project Purpose and Description,
    • Impact on Michigan’s Food and Agriculture Industry,
    • Identify if the following has been secured for the project:
      • Funding/financing,
      • Professional engineering firm, and,
      • Contractor bids.
    • EGLE Wastewater Project Type,
    • Wastewater Daily Flow Gallons Per Day (Groundwater Permit) or Millions of Gallons Per Day (NPDES Permit), and,
    • Estimated Investment/Budget Outline.

    Can you provide a list of the questions on the Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Pre-Qualification Form?
    Here is an overview of the questions are asked in the pre-qualification form:

    • Company and Contact Information
    • Project Overview:
      • Applicant must be under an Administrative Consent Order number, Compliance and Enforcement Action, Certificate of Coverage, or State Groundwater Discharge Permit from EGLE, an Administrative Consent Order, compliance and enforcement action, or have a Schedule of Compliance found in a state Groundwater Discharge or National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit or Certificate of Coverage from Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE),
      • EGLE Wastewater Permit Number or EGLE-Water Resources Division (WRD) Water Quality Compliance and Enforcement Action Number
      • Project Location
      • Project Purpose and Description
        • Scope of Wastewater Project - Provide a concise description of the project and its impact on the company’s growth, market access, employees, etc. The description should answer the following questions:
          • What is the project?
          • What is the purpose/need for completing this project?
      • Impact on Michigan’s Food and Agriculture Industry
        • Describe and quantify the before and after project impacts on the food and agriculture supply chain including buyers, suppliers, the surrounding community, and other cascading impacts.
    • Supplemental Information:
      • Have the following been secured for the project?
        • Funding/financing
        • Professional engineering firm
        • Contractor bids
      • EGLE Wastewater Project Type,
      • Wastewater Daily Flow Gallons Per Day (Groundwater Permit) or Millions of Gallons Per Day (NPDES Permit),
      • Estimated Investment/Budget Outline.

    Are we eligible for the Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant if we have a wastewater discharge permit with our local city or municipality and do not have a current or pending EGLE Groundwater Discharge permit?
    For the Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant Program, a food or beverage processing facility is required to be obtaining a permit or coming into compliance with EGLE's Part 31, Groundwater Discharge Permit or National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit from EGLE. A facility currently under the EGLE Groundwater Discharge or NPDES Permit Programs is also eligible if it will address compliance with EGLE's Part 31, by connecting to a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

    If a company has a wastewater discharge permit with its local city or municipality it does not meet this requirement and is currently ineligible to move forward with the Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant Program.

    Are municipalities eligible for the Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant?
    The Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant Program is only open to existing food or beverage processors. Municipalities are not eligible to apply.

    Is a new company building a new facility eligible?
    The program is for existing companies with existing facilities. The company must be in good standing and in compliance with MDARD.

    What are the items I will need to provide throughout the process if I receive funding?
    If grant funds are awarded, a grantee is required to meet and provide documentation on the milestones listed above.

    Is there an application period for the grant?
    There is no specific deadline to apply for the grant as it is an ongoing enrollment until all allocated funds are utilized.

    When will we hear back from MDARD regarding the status of our pre-qualification?
    Companies that submit completed pre-qualification forms will be notified about eligibility and next steps in the process 1-2 months from when the pre-qualification form was submitted.

    When is the deadline for the grant applications?
    The application will remain open until all the funding has been distributed. Note: Only one proposal per applicant facility location or permit number will be considered for funding.

  • How much money will I receive?
    The amount of funding you may be awarded will be based on the appropriate Tiered Funding System shown above. MDARD will monitor applicant funding requests and funding allocated will be based by the Tiered Funding System to ensure companies of all sizes are able to receive funding.

    How are the awarded amounts determined?
    Grant awards are determined by the appropriate Tiered Funding System shown above and will be based off Daily Flow in Gallons Per Day of the wastewater system, lift station requirements for municipal connections, and overall project investment. This tiered system helps to determine the appropriate amount of funding to be awarded to each project.

    What can I use the grant money for if I receive funding?
    Eligible wastewater investment costs may be found in the appropriate Eligible Investments section above. This is a cost-reimbursement grant, meaning the eligible project costs are first covered by the company from other funding sources and then 50% of the total eligible projects costs are eligible for reimbursement through awarded grant funding once the project is completed, milestones are met, and EGLE confirms compliance.

    What can I not use the grant money for if I receive funding?
    Ineligible wastewater investment costs may be found in the appropriate Ineligible Investments section above.

    We have already purchased some items for wastewater upgrades but have not yet installed these items. Would previous expenditures be eligible for this program?
    If approved for Wastewater Infrastructure Fund Grant funding, previous eligible investment costs expenditures for the grant funded wastewater project are eligible if they were incurred on or after February 1, 2023.