[Idaho Department of Environmental Quality](https://www.deq.idaho.gov)

January 9, 2026: Letter of Interest (LOI) submission deadline for Fiscal Year 2027 Planning Grant Program

Up to 50% of eligible planning costs; typical maximums: $45,000 (drinking water) or $65,000 (wastewater) per grant.

Supports engineering reports for Idaho water/wastewater systems to plan cost-effective, compliant facility upgrades.

--- ## Description The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) Planning Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible wastewater and drinking water systems across Idaho. The program funds the development of engineering reports and planning studies to identify the most cost-effective and environmentally sound methods for upgrading or expanding water and wastewater infrastructure. The goal is to help systems achieve and maintain compliance with state and federal standards, address deficiencies, and ensure long-term sustainability. Grants support the preparation of facility plans and required environmental reviews, serving as a critical first step toward infrastructure improvements. --- ## Due Dates - January 9, 2026: Letter of Interest (LOI) submission deadline for Fiscal Year 2027 Planning Grant Program --- ## Funding Amount - Grants typically cover up to 50% of eligible planning costs. - Typical maximum award: $45,000 for drinking water system planning grants; $65,000 for wastewater planning grants. - Remaining costs are the responsibility of the recipient. - Actual funding per cycle is subject to available appropriations and prioritization of projects. --- ## Eligibility ### Eligible Applicants - **Wastewater Systems:** Counties, cities, special service districts, other governmental entities, and nonprofit corporations authorized to collect, treat, or dispose of wastewater or provide direct water quality benefits. - **Drinking Water Systems:** Public water systems, including: - Community Water Systems (serving at least 15 service connections or 25 year-round residents) - Non-community Water Systems (transient or non-transient, serving the public but not necessarily the same people year-round) ### Ineligible Applicants - For-profit or privately owned wastewater systems - For-profit, non-community drinking water systems - Systems lacking the financial capability to pay the non-grant share - Systems delinquent in payment of fines, penalties, or fees due to DEQ --- ## Application Process 1. **Letter of Interest (LOI):** - Submit a completed LOI by January 9, 2026, for consideration in the FY2027 cycle. - LOI forms are available on the [DEQ Grants and Loans page](https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/grants-and-loans/). - Most applicants benefit from consulting with a professional engineer when preparing the LOI. 2. **Evaluation and Ranking:** - DEQ evaluates, rates, and ranks LOIs based on: - Public health and environmental risks - Potential for long-term system sustainability - Compliance status with state and federal regulations 3. **Invitation to Apply:** - Top-ranked projects are invited to submit a full planning grant application. 4. **Project Execution:** - Recipients must hire a professional engineer to develop the planning study and environmental review. - Environmental review is required if federal/state revolving fund construction financing is sought. - Final planning document must be approved by DEQ. 5. **Reimbursement:** - Grants are reimbursed for eligible planning costs as incurred, subject to agreement terms. --- ## Additional Information - The number of grants awarded each year depends on available funding and project rankings. - Projects must comply with federal requirements if federal funds are involved (e.g., Davis-Bacon wages, Buy America provisions, environmental review). - Recipients have up to 3 years to complete the planning process unless an extension is approved. - Technical assistance is available from DEQ regional offices and the Grants & Loans Bureau. --- ## External Links - [Facility Planning Grants – Idaho DEQ](https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/grants-and-loans/facility-planning-grants/) - [DEQ Grants and Loans Program](https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/grants-and-loans/) - [FY27 Drinking Water Planning Grant LOI Form](https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/admin/LEIA/api/document/download/14597) - [FY27 Wastewater Planning Grant LOI Form](https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/admin/LEIA/api/document/download/14599) - [Customer Handbook (PDF)](https://www2.deq.idaho.gov/admin/LEIA/api/document/download/16777) - [Contact a DEQ Regional Office](https://www.deq.idaho.gov/regional-offices/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |----------------------------|--------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|----------------| | MaryAnna Peavey | Grants & Loans Bureau Chief | [MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov](mailto:MaryAnna.Peavey@deq.idaho.gov) | (208) 373-0122 | | Charlie Parkins | Grants & Loans Supervisor | [Charlie.Parkins@deq.idaho.gov](mailto:Charlie.Parkins@deq.idaho.gov) | (208) 373-0577 | | Zoe McCarty | Grants & Loans Officer | [zoe.mccarty@deq.idaho.gov](mailto:zoe.mccarty@deq.idaho.gov) | (208) 373-0574 | | Grants & Loans General | General Inquiries | [grants.loans@deq.idaho.gov](mailto:grants.loans@deq.idaho.gov) | (208) 373-0502 | For additional assistance, contact your [regional DEQ office](https://www.deq.idaho.gov/regional-offices/).

Planning Grant Program - Idaho Department of Environmental Quality

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