View
1
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Projects
Introduction
• Lee Wagner, DNR• Tracy Scebold, IFA
November 2019
Workshop Goal• To help you have a successful project!
Workshop Topics
• Program & Application Requirements• Technical Tools Update• P&D and Project Milestone Checklists• Other Funding Programs• Establishment and Maintenance Planning• Success Stories• Q&A Panel Discussion
Background• 2009 Iowa legislation authorized
wastewater utilities to fund Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Projects.
• Funding is achieved by the wastewater utility borrowing from the Clean Water SRF for an infrastructure project + a nonpoint source watershed project.
• The overall interest rate is reduced, allowing the utility to finance two projects for the cost of one.
Background• Watershed Approach – what are
the problems and issues
• Protecting Water Resources –what water bodies are important to the local area
• What Can be Done – what practices can have an effect
Background• Project must address
nonpoint source pollution on a watershed basis:
– Starts with watershed assessment
– Ends with identifying possible practices to address water quality problems in watershed
Background• Qualified applicants – wastewater
utility/city with SRF project in the planning phase
• Wastewater utility/city must work with a watershed organization:– Iowa Department of Agriculture and
Land Stewardship (IDALS)– Soil and Water Conservation District– County Conservation Board– Watershed Management Authority– Others
Application Process• Competitive application process
• Applications accepted twice each year– March 1 and September 1
• Application materials are online at: http://www.iowasrf.com/about_srf/sponsored_projects_home_page.cfm
• READ the materials carefully
• Cover all the requirements– Only complete applications will be considered
Application Requirements• Pre-application conference call
– Must be conducted by December 20, 2019 for March applications – Contact Lee Wagner at #515-725-0992 or lee.wagner@dnr.iowa.gov
• Watershed Assessment
• Consultation with technical advisors– Project development, planning and design– Site visit
• Engagement with other partners– Urban Conservationists
Application Review• Only complete applications reviewed
• Involve technical advisors
• Ranked and scored, if necessary– Iowa Admin Code 567-91.8 Project Priority
Rating System
Project Awards• Applicants notified if funded and at what level
– Request > $1M capped at $1M until all applications for the fiscal year have been considered.
• Quarterly Intended Use Plan (IUP) update– Public comment
• Recommendations presented to Environmental Protection Commission (EPC)– September deadline – December EPC approval– March deadline – June EPC approval
Recommended vs FinalMaximum amount allowed for sponsored project = whichever is less:
A. 10% of the amount of the wastewater loan request at the time of the sponsored project application
B. 10% of the FINAL amount drawn on the wastewater loan
C. The calculated amount determined by the reduction of the interest rate by up to 1%.
Recommended vs FinalEXAMPLE 1:
–At time of sponsored project application, the wastewater loan request amount is $2,000,000–Final amount drawn on wastewater loan is $1,800,000
–How much is available for the sponsored project?
$180,000
Recommended vs FinalEXAMPLE 2:
–At time of sponsored project application, the wastewater loan request amount is $2,000,000–Wastewater loan amount increases to $2,200,000, which is all drawn
–How much is available for the sponsored project?
$200,000
Recommended vs FinalEXAMPLE 3:
–$200,000 is recommended amount and city draws full amount of wastewater loan–City makes first principal payment on the wastewater loan before executing a sponsored project amendment
–How much is available for the sponsored project?
Amount is reduced each year – check with IFA!
Project Initiation MeetingThe DNR project manager will schedule a project initiation meeting with all the parties involved. The participants will discuss:
• Technical requirements and standards for the project• Schedules for the wastewater and sponsored projects• SRF requirements• Any permitting requirements (e.g. flood plain, Corps)• 28E agreements (as needed) • Budgets and financing arrangements• Any other project issues
Project Milestone Checklist• THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENT! – Your
project roadmap
Project Initiation Packet• Frequently Asked Questions• Design checklists• Information on maintenance requirements• Flood Plain permit determination• SRF front-end documents• Bid document checklist• Loan amendment application
Final Plans and Specs• After approval of 60% plans and specs
• SRF Front-End Specifications– Must be included in the plans and specifications– The packet includes several forms that must be filled out by
the bidders and returned with the bids
• Approved by DNR and Technical Advisor
Bidding and Construction• Applicant identifies the lowest responsive bidder
• Submits bid document packet to SRF– The packet materials are identified in the “Bid Checklist for
Applicants.”
• DNR Project Manager reviews docs for eligibility and compliance with federal requirements
• Concurrence with the bid award
Pre-Construction Meeting
• Held with the contractor
• Invite the technical advisor assigned to your project
Construction - Inspections• The technical advisor may
conduct interim inspections during construction
• A final inspection by the technical advisor and DNR project manager is required
Construction Financing• After bids are approved, the wastewater utility must
submit a loan amendment application to include the sponsored project costs
• The applicant works with bond counsel to schedule and hold a public hearing and pass a bond resolution
• IFA will provide a debt service schedule
Construction Financing• All SRF loan proceeds are disbursed
after the borrower incurs costs– Disbursements are made weekly
• Sponsored project costs and invoices must be submitted separately from the wastewater project and clearly labeled
• All change orders must be submitted for approval
Eligible Costs• Construction costs• Legal and Bond Counsel Fees• Design Fees
IF IN DOUBT:• Review the sponsored projects manual:
http://www.iowasrf.com/about_srf/sponsored-project-manual/
• Talk to your SRF sponsored projects manager• Call Lee or Tracy!
Project Completion• Celebrate!
– Ribbon-cutting– Demonstrations– News releases– DNR’s Facebook page
• Videos of installations and finished demonstrations have reached millions of users!
Thanks for participating in SRF Sponsored Projects!
Questions?
Recommended