DEC to explain water loan program at Aug. 19 Anchorage session

Utility managers weighing how to pay for water and sewer work can get answers Wednesday, Aug. 19. State Revolving Fund Program representatives will explain loan options from noon to 1 p.m. in Anchorage and on Zoom.

Peggy Ulman and Young Ha of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation's State Revolving Fund Program will present the session, titled "Show Me the Money!" The American Water Resources Association is hosting it in partnership with the Alaska Water Wastewater Management Association. Continuing education units are available on request. The in-person location is the DEC Technical Assistance Programs Training Facility at 600 W. 58th Ave., Unit J. Remote participants can join through the Zoom meeting link included in the DCRA bulletin announcing the session. Participants are invited to bring their own lunch. The presenters plan to use real-world examples to show how the program is helping Alaska communities meet infrastructure needs.

The SRF Program lends at below-market rates for drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and other water-quality projects, with repayment terms up to 30 years. Its funding has been bolstered by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, commonly called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Rural municipalities eligible under the Village Safe Water Act may qualify for microloans up to $500,000 with principal forgiveness.

Forgiveness is not automatic. DEC's SRF program page says principal forgiveness "may be provided to recipients who qualify as disadvantaged systems" and that "availability of funding and forgiveness varies each year." For small or disadvantaged rural systems, debt repayment and project eligibility rules can remain barriers even when loan terms are favorable.

DEC closed public comment on its draft state fiscal year 2027 intended use plans, which set funding priorities, on July 17.