490 R.I. Code R. 490-RICR-00-00-3.1

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 490-RICR-00-00-3.1 - General Provisions

3.1.1Scope and Construction

A. This program shall provide twenty-five percent (25%) of the cost of approved emergency interconnections designed and constructed to serve a single water system and shall provide fifty percent (50%) of the cost of approved interconnections between two or more systems. Only the construction of water interconnections and the acquisition of land or rights-of-way, together with necessary engineering and design, are eligible for assistance under this program. Costs of borrowing, amortization costs, legal, and all other costs attendant to the funding of water interconnections are not eligible for financial assistance under this program and must be fully borne by the project applicant. Final determinations of project eligibility shall be made by the Water Resources Board.

B. The following shall constitute the regulations governing the disposition of appropriations for the purpose of providing twenty-five (25) percent and/or fifty (50) percent of the cost of approved emergency interconnections between municipal, quasi-municipal or privately-owned water supply systems pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-15, as amended. These regulations prescribe procedures for application, minimum standards of conduct for Grantees, and performance standards for the development of emergency interconnections of municipal, quasi-municipal or privately owned, potable water distribution systems. An emergency shall be defined as any potential or existing crisis and/or situation wherein a system could be temporarily unable to provide sufficient potable water to meet minimum health and/or fire protection needs as determined by the applicant.

3.1.2Purpose

A. These regulations are promulgated for the following purposes:

1. To implement the purposes and objectives of the Rhode Island Water System Emergency Interconnection program, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-15, as amended;

2. To protect the public and the State of Rhode Island by insuring that funds appropriated are spent in a proper manner and for the intended purpose;

3. To ensure that the distribution and use of appropriate funds are consistent with the Rhode Island State Guide Plan;

4. To establish minimum standards of conduct to prevent conflicts of interest and insure proper administration of grants;

5. To establish accounting procedures for administration of grants.

3.1.3Procedure for Obtaining a Water System Emergency Interconnection Grant

A. Each potential applicant for an Emergency Interconnection grant shall:

1. Determine if it meets the eligibility criteria of §3.2.4 of this Part;

2. Arrange for a preapplication conference as required in §3.2.2 of this Part;

3. Complete the application procedures required by §3.2.3 of this Part.

3.1.4Definitions

A. The following words and terms, when used in this section shall have the following meaning unless context clearly indicates otherwise:

1. "Act" means the Rhode Island Water System Emergency Interconnection Program, R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-15.2, as amended.

2. "Applicant" means municipal, quasi-municipal or private potable water supply agency that applies for a grant pursuant to the provisions of these rules and regulations.

3. "Board" means the Rhode Island Water Resources Board as established by R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 46-25, as amended.

4. "Construct" and "Construction" means to build or rebuild in a systematic manner utilizing outside contractors and/or direct personnel, materials and equipment.

5. "Council" means the State Planning Council as established by R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-11, as amended.

6. "Design life" means the given time period of project usefulness as determined by a systematic program of engineering.

7. "Distribution facilities" means the pipes and appurtenant facilities employed specifically to deliver, to dispense, to render, or to circulate potable water directly for the benefit of a consumer or a community of consumers.

8. "Grantee" means the successful applicant that applied for the grant pursuant to the provisions of these rules and regulations.

9. "Consultant" means the engineer hired by the Water Resources Board to establish eligible emergency water system interconnections.

490 R.I. Code R. 490-RICR-00-00-3.1