DEQ Planning Grant Program
DEQ Planning Grant Program supports Idaho drinking water and wastewater systems with facility plans and engineering reports to identify cost-effective, environmentally sound upgrades and meet regulatory standards.
Funder: Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
Due Dates: January 8, 2027 (Letter of Interest)
Funding Amounts: Up to 50% of eligible planning costs; historical DEQ maximums of $45,000 for drinking water and $65,000 for wastewater
Summary: Supports Idaho drinking water and wastewater facility planning to identify cost-effective, environmentally sound upgrades and achieve regulatory compliance.
Key Information: Recipients must cover the remaining planning costs and hire a professional engineer.
Description
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Planning Grant Program helps eligible drinking water and wastewater systems evaluate existing facilities, identify deficiencies, and determine needed improvements before undertaking upgrades. Grants support facility plans and engineering reports that identify the most cost-effective, environmentally sound approach to upgrading or expanding systems to achieve and maintain compliance with state and federal standards.
Planning work includes assessing current conditions, developing and screening alternatives, recommending an alternative, and evaluating potential environmental impacts. DEQ ranks projects based on public health and environmental risks, long-term system viability, and regulatory compliance. Funding is committed to the highest-ranked projects, with the number of grants limited by available funds.
