Emergency Preparedness: Funding for Generators
What do summer and winter have in common? The need for a generator at your water utility. Whether it’s a Nor’easter or a summer thunderstorm, power can go out at any time. It’s important for water utilities to plan ahead to keep the electricity flowing and the water pumps running.
Generators can be costly but there are resources available to help with funding, so purchasing and installing one may be more feasible than you thought. Plus, investing in a generator may save you money in the long run at your water system.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety (NHDOS) Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HSEM) offers grant funding assistance through the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) Program. Eligible applicants include municipal systems that need a generator to support critical infrastructure. There is a 50/50 cost share associated with this grant. Your system may be able to obtain funding for the remaining costs from other state funding sources. Click here to apply for the EMPG. For more information visit the Resource Center or contact NHEMPG.Program@dos.nh.gov.
Another funding opportunity is offered by the USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program to municipalities and non-profit organizations. This program helps eligible communities prepare for or recover from emergencies that threaten safe and reliable drinking water. For more information on eligibility, see the Grant Eligibility by Town list. Some New Hampshire community water systems have already started looking into this funding option. To determine whether this is the right grant for you, contact misty.sinsigalli@usda.gov or (802) 622-4119.
For more options please check EPA Fed Funds for water and wastewater utilities to find funding during national disasters, as well as the EPA Power Outage Incident Action Checklist to help your utility stay operational during emergencies.
We appreciate your efforts in maintaining a water system that is resilient and secure. For more information please contact stephanie.nistico@des.nh.gov at (603) 271-0867.