Section R317-101-7 - Financial Assistance for NPS ProjectsA. NPS Projects, as defined in Section 73-10c-2(9), are eligible for funding from the state revolving loan fund and from the Hardship Grant Program. 1. Funding to individuals in amounts in excess of $150,000 will be presented to and authorized funding by the Board. Funding of less than $150,000 will be considered and authorized funding by the Executive Secretary. 2. The Executive Secretary, or another whom the Board may designate, will authorize and execute NPS project loan agreements, grant agreements, or both, with the applicant. 3. Eligible projects under the NPS project funding programs include projects that: a. abate or reduce raw sewage discharges; b. repair or replace failing individual on-site wastewater disposal systems; c. reduce untreated or uncontrolled runoff; d. improve critical aquatic habitat resources; e. conserve soil, water, or other natural resources; f. protect and improve ground water quality; g. preserve and protect the beneficial uses of water of the state; h. reduce the number of water bodies not achieving water quality standards; i. improve watershed management; j. prepare and implement total maximum daily load (TMDL) assessments; k. are a study, activity, or mechanism that abates, prevents or reduces water pollution; or l. supports educational activities that promotes water quality improvement. B. The following procedures apply to NPS project loans: 1. Projects will be prioritized according to criteria established in Section R317-100-4, Utah State Project Priority System for the Utah Wastewater Project Assistance Program. 2. The maximum term of NPS program loans will be twenty years but not beyond a term exceeding the depreciable life of the project. 3. The interest rate on NPS project loans will be determined by the Board. 4. NPS project loans are exempt from environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as long as the funding of these projects is identified in Utah's NPS Pollution Management Plan. 5. Security of NPS project loans. a. NPS project loans to individuals in amounts greater than $15,000 will be secured by the borrower with water stock or real estate. Loans less than $15,000 may be secured with other assets. b. For NPS project loans to individuals the ratio of the loan amount to the value of the pledged security must not be greater than 70%. c. NPS loans to political subdivisions of the state will be secured by a revenue bond, general obligation bond or some other acceptable instrument of debt. 6. The Division will determine project eligibility and priority. Periodic payments will be made to the borrower, contractors, or consultants for work relating to the planning, design, and construction of the project. The borrower must maintain and submit the financial records that document expenditures or costs. 7. The Division, or its designee, will perform periodic project inspections. Final payment on the NPS loan project will not occur until a final inspection has occurred and an acceptance letter issued for the completed project. 8. NPS project loan recipients will be billed periodically for payments of principal and interest as agreed to in the executed loan agreements or bond documents. 9. The Division, or its designee, will evaluate the financial aspects of the NPS project and the credit worthiness of the applicant. C. The following procedures apply to NPS project grants. Hardship Grants may be considered for a NPS project that: 1. addresses a critical water quality need or health hazard; 2. remediates water quality degradation resulting from natural sources damage including fires, floods, or other disasters; 3. would otherwise not be economically feasible; 4. provides financial assistance for a study, pollution prevention activity, or educational activity; or 5. implements provisions of TMDLs. Utah Admin. Code R317-101-7
Amended by Utah State Bulletin Number 2015-20, effective 9/24/2015