On November 15, 2021 the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) was signed. The BIL provides the state of Alabama with funding over the next five years to support drinking water and wastewater projects. In addition, on January 27, 2022, the Alabama State Legislature appropriated funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects within the state. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management’s (ADEM’s) State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) program will be processing applications and administering these funds in the form of ARPA grants containing a 0-50% match requirement and BIL low interest loans containing principal forgiveness ranging between 5-100%. This correspondence will be the first of many updates as ADEM evaluates the project applications submitted. The evaluation will use “needs-based” criteria - those demonstrating the greatest need will receive the initial funding. Although the amount of the funds available is significant, there is not enough to address all of the needs within the state. Water and wastewater systems with critical needs should submit a preapplication as soon as possible for consideration. ADEM anticipates beginning the award of infrastructure funds by June 1, 2022. If there are time-sensitive needs, please highlight the need within the submittal and indicate the urgency within the body of the e-mail.

In order for a project to be considered for support, the system should submit the following to srf@adem.alabama.gov:

• A completed SRF Pre-Application Form (either Form 340 or 370), which can be found on ADEM’s website.
• The Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) identifying and ranking the most critical needs/projects.
• An estimated cost (please provide a range)
• Comprehensive financial information

ADEM looks forward to working with systems throughout the state to make a significant impact to the state’s wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. There will be future correspondence as developments occur and more information is gathered, especially with respect to dollars earmarked for emerging contaminants (PFAS) and the removal of lead service lines.

Any questions should be directed to srf@adem.alabama.gov.