DEQ seeks comments on project funding priorities

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is seeking comment on plans guiding water infrastructure funding priorities.

The documents include the State Revolving Fund Clean Water and Drinking Water Intended Use Plan with priority lists for loans, emerging contaminants and lead service line inventory projects. They also include priority lists for drinking water and wastewater planning grants.

A separate Implementation Plan for Legislative Supplemental Funding for new drinking water and wastewater projects includes proposed criteria and priority lists.

Once approved by the Idaho Board of Environmental Quality, the documents will help determine funding decisions for fiscal year 2026.

DEQ will award grants and loans in priority order to the highest-ranked, "shovel-ready" projects. Projects that can use all available funding will receive full awards.

A virtual information meeting will be May 12 at 10 a.m. To register, to tinyurl.com/3hjym8ba.

The priority lists and intended use plan can be found on DEQ's Public Comment Opportunities page, tinyurl.com/5rxrcrf9. Hard copies are available at DEQ's state and regional offices.

Written comments will be accepted through May 16 at 4 p.m. on DEQ's website or by mail.

Information: deq.idaho.gov