Abstract |
A large number of small communities need to construct wastewater facilities on the assumption that little or no Federal construction grant assistance will be available. Small communities in many States have had difficulty competing for limited grant funds with larger communities. Grant amounts are smaller due to changes in Federal share percentage and certain eligibility restrictions in EPA's construction grant program. Thus now, more than ever, communities need to select wastewater treatment technologies that are within their financial and administrative means to construct and operate. To assist small communities achieve and maintain compliance, EPA is instituting an outreach program. This effort has the following objectives: improve awareness of the importance of municipal compliance; provide information and assistance to affected communities especially small communities; stress positive capabilities of EPA and States in assisting communities achieve compliance despite phasedown of Federal funds; and help build State outreach capabilities. |