Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)

The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) Construction Programs Bureau (CPB) produced an annual Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program Project Priority List (PPL) and Intended Use Plan (IUP).  The IUP identifies the proposed intended uses of the funding amounts available to the CWSRF Program and the PPL identifies eligible projects for CWSRF funding in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2020.

CWSRF Applications are now considered for funding on an as-needed basis. FY21 Applications are now being accepted. To apply for CWSRF Funding, go to the CWSRF Application.

For Information on the CWSRF Rule Change hearing that took place in January 2020, click here.

The CWSRF Intended Use Plan FY20 and the current CWSRF Project Priority List and information about funding opportunities may be obtained by clicking on the preceding links, calling the CPB team at (505) 827-2806; or by e-mailing NMENV-cpbinfo@state.nm.us.

Overview:

The New Mexico Environment Department manages the Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund Program (CWSRF). The CWSRF program provides a source of low-cost financing for a wide range of wastewater and storm water projects that protect surface and ground water. Funds may also be used for projects that control non-point source water pollution, such as a solid waste and septic tank installations.

The CWSRF program was established in 1986 pursuant to the Wastewater Facility Construction Loan Act and the Federal Clean Water Act and provides low-interest loans with a repayment period of up to thirty years. Repayments are cycled back into the fund and used to pay for future clean water projects.

Click the following links to view or download New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) regulations that govern the CWSRF:

NMAC 20.7.5 Wastewater Facility Construction Loans

NMAC 20.7.6 Wastewater Facility Construction Loan Policies and Guidelines

NMAC 20.7.7 Review Procedures for Wastewater Construction Loan

The 20.7.6 Amendment Concise Explanatory Statement in English and in Spanish and the 20.7.7 Repeal and Replace Concise Explanatory Statement in English and in Spanish are available by clicking on the previous links.

Eligible Borrowers

Municipalities, Counties, Water and Sanitation Districts, Mutual Domestic Water Associations, Pueblos and Tribes are all encouraged to apply for this funding. Funds from the CWSRF can be used by public entities for planning, design and construction of wastewater collection and treatment facilities and for non-point source water pollution control projects. Private entities are eligible for limited types of projects.

Click the following link to download the Requirements for Private Entities

This is not an exhaustive list of eligible entities, please contact us with questions.
NMENV-cpbinfo@state.nm.us or 505.827.2806

Program Eligibilities (Included, but not limited to)

• Publicly owned centralized wastewater treatment works construction, repair or replacement;
• Implementation of a non-point source management plan;
• Decentralized systems treating municipal or domestic sewage;
• Measures reducing, treating, or managing stormwater;
• Measures reducing demand to publicly owned treatment works through conservation;
• Watershed projects;
• Reducing energy consumption at publicly owned treatment works;
• Projects for reusing or recycling wastewater or stormwater;
• Increasing security at publicly owned treatment works;

Click the following link to view or download the Overview of CWSRF Eligibilities.

This is not an exhaustive list of eligibilities, please contact us with questions.
NMENV-cpbinfo@state.nm.us or 505.827.2806

Type of Funds

CWSRF funds are available for up to 100% of eligible costs. Annual federal funding determines the availability of subsidy. Subsidy may be offered to eligible entities in a combination loan and grant package.

Loan Interest and Terms

CWSRF loans are offered at low interest rates ranging from 0% to 2.375%, depending on census data and economic criteria. Loan repayment terms may be up to 30 years. 

CWSRF Basics

CWSRF Funding Flow Chart

When to Apply for CWSRF Funding

The first step to secure funding from the CWSRF is to apply. Applications were accepted annually each Spring, but are now being considered on an as-needed basis. A submitted application does not obligate a borrower to accept funding. To apply for CWSRF Funding, go to the CWSRF Application.
Please feel free to contact our team to be included in our mailing list and to be notified when the next funding cycle is open. CPB Loan Team email: NMENV-cpbinfo@state.nm.us or (505) 827-2806

CWSRF Priority Rating System

The purpose of the CWSRF Projects Priority Rating System is to evaluate and rank projects that will improve point source discharges and non-point source impacts to surface and groundwater. The system will also evaluate each applicant’s level of financial need, local commitment to promoting sustainable utilities, and readiness to proceed with design and construction.

Click the following link to view or download the CWSRF Priority Rating System Guidance.

CWSRF Affordability Criteria System

Affordability Criteria is used for the purpose of identifying communities that would most benefit from subsidy. Pursuant to the Clean Water Act, affordability criteria is based on income and unemployment data and population trends.

Click the following link to view or download the Affordability Criteria System.

CWSRF Green Project Reserve (GPR)

Green Project Reserve is intended to promote water efficiency, energy efficiency, green infrastructure and environmentally innovative projects.

Click the following links to view or download: Green Project Reserve Project Categorical Eligible and Non-Eligible Examples   CWSRF Green Project Reserve Eligibility Guidance

CWSRF Public Involvement Plan (PIP)

The purpose of this PIP is to provide public participation opportunities and information that may be needed to participate in the public comment period. This PIP integrates information about the affected communities and identifies resources needed by the Bureau to successfully incorporate community participation activities into the decision making process for the public comment period for the Intended Use Plan (IUP). The PIP identifies the Department staff and resources needed to accomplish these activities.

Click the following link to view or download the Public Involvement Plan.

CWSRF Projects Priority List (PPL)

Apply for funding and placement on the CWSRF Project Priority List (PPL) is the first step in obtaining a low interest loan for an eligible Clean Water project.

Click the following link to view or download the current 2020 Project Priority List.

CWSRF Intended Use Plan (IUP) 

The NMED Construction Programs Bureau (CPB) produces an annual IUP to identify the intended uses for the CWSRF. The SFY 2019 IUP is now available.  

Click the following link to view or download the Current Intended Use Plan.

CWSRF Project Requirements

Click the following link to view or download:  Engineering Contract Template for All Funding Programs

Asset Management Plan

CWSRF projects must have an asset management plan. The asset management plan must be in place prior to the project’s completion, and can be funded through the CWSRF as part of the project. The State approved outline for an asset management plan should be used by wastewater utilities to create an asset management plan. If you have any questions, please contact your assigned Project Manager. 

Click the following link to view or download: An Introduction to Asset Management Plan

Click the following link to view or download: Asset Management Plan Outline Template

State Environmental Review Process (SERP)

This procedure was developed by the New Mexico Environment Department Construction Programs Bureau to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements for Clean Water State Revolving Fund projects.

Click the following link to view or download: NEPA SERP July 2018 Final

American Iron and Steel Requirement

The American Iron and Steel (AIS) provision requires Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) assistance recipients to use iron and steel products that are produced in the United States. This requirement applies to projects for the construction, alteration, or repair of a public  treatment works. If you have any questions in regards to this requirement please contact your assigned Project Manager. 

Click the following link for more information about this requirement:
American Iron and Steel AIS Requirement

Permastore Tanks Non Compliance with American Iron and Steel from EPA 2017

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determined that Permastore’s glass-fused steel lined tanks are not in compliance with the EPA AIS requirement for CWSRF projects.

Click the following link to view or download:
CWSRF AIS Permastore Tanks Non-Compliance with American Iron and Steel_EPA2017

Davis-Bacon Requirement

Davis-Bacon requires contractors and subcontractors on certain projects receiving CWSRF funding to pay all laborers and mechanics at prevailing wage rates for similar job types in the same county. Sub-recipients are required to monitor Davis-Bacon compliance by reviewing payroll records and conducting employee interviews. If you have any questions please contact your assigned Project Manager. 

Click the following link to view or download: Davis-Bacon Handbook

CWSRF Annual Report

The most current CWSRF Annual Report is available for review.

Click the following link to view or download: CWSRF Annual Report.

CWSRF Disbursement Request Forms Templates

Click the following link to view or download required forms at: CWSRF Disbursement Request Forms.

If you have any questions regarding the CWSRF, contact the CPB Team:  NMENV-cpbinfo@state.nm.us or (505) 827-2806