Solicitations open today for water quality improvement projects across Delaware, as state officials invite municipalities, utilities, nonprofits and other eligible entities to submit proposals for clean and drinking water infrastructure funding.
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is seeking notices of intent for projects eligible for the state’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs, which are supported by federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding already secured.
Though Delaware’s revolving funds have significant federal resources, no specific funding amounts are set aside through this solicitation. Based on prior years, projects financed through a combination of state revolving fund loans, federal infrastructure dollars and local contributions have totaled tens of millions to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Recent projects funded through Delaware’s revolving funds range from major drinking water system upgrades in Wilmington and Middletown to specific water quality improvements like living shorelines, stormwater retrofits and streambank restoration. In late 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency also announced a $12 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan to modernize wastewater infrastructure serving roughly 330,000 residents along the Christina River, affecting about one-third of the state.
Projects submitted during this solicitation period will be considered for inclusion on Delaware’s 2026 priority funding lists. Only projects placed on those lists will be eligible to move forward in the state revolving fund process.
Eligible projects include wastewater and drinking water system upgrades, stormwater improvements and other infrastructure aimed at protecting water quality and public health.
Notices of intent must be submitted to DNREC’s Environmental Finance Office by Feb. 18. DNREC will also host a virtual public workshop on Jan. 21 to walk potential applicants through eligibility requirements, ranking criteria and available financing options.
Photo by Orhan Akbaba from Pexels
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