Here is combination of
Federal, State, and other Programs
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
This program, administered by HUD, provides formula grants to states, cities, and counties. States then award grants to non-entitlement areas (cities with populations less than 50,000 and counties with populations less than 200,000) for activities like infrastructure, economic development, public facilities, housing rehabilitation, and public services.
Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
The USDA offers grants for various business and community projects serving rural areas. Public bodies, Indian Tribes, and non-profit entities are eligible applicants.
Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI) Grants
These USDA grants support nonprofit housing and community development organizations, low- income rural communities, and federally recognized tribes in improving housing, community facilities, and economic development projects. Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000 and require matching funds.
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Programs
These USDA programs provide funding for rural projects through local utility organizations, Rural Electrification Act-eligible non-profits, and current/former USDA Rural Utilities Service Electric or Telecommunication borrowers.
Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program
This USDA initiative helps create essential facilities like healthcare, public safety, and public service buildings in rural areas and towns with populations up to 20,000.
TIFIA Rural Project Initiative (RPI)
The USDOT's Build America Bureau offers loans with favorable terms for eligible rural transportation projects between $10 million and $100 million. This includes roads, bridges, and tunnels.
Trust for Civic Life
This philanthropic organization, launched in 2024, focuses on enhancing civic participation in rural areas and small towns. It supports projects like entrepreneurial initiatives, cultural centers, and public venues.
Louisiana offers various state and
federal programs administered by state
agencies aimed at supporting small
communities in various aspects of
development and recovery. Here's a
breakdown of some key funding
sources:
Office of Community Development (OCD)
The Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD) plays a crucial role in administering grants to improve the quality of life in Louisiana communities, especially in low-to- moderate income areas.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
This program, funded by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides resources to address a wide range of community development needs, including public infrastructure projects like sewer and potable water improvements. The OCD-LGA surveys communities every two years to identify priorities for funding, with infrastructure consistently ranking as a top need.
Louisiana Government Assistance Program (LGAP)
Designed to fill gaps not covered by federal or other state funds, LGAP provides assistance to local governments for high-priority needs.
Community Water Enrichment Fund (CWEF)
This fund assists local governments in rehabilitating, improving, and constructing community water systems to ensure safe drinking water.
Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative
This initiative, run by the Louisiana Growth Network, supports second-stage small businesses in rural areas with resources and expertise for growth and expansion.
Louisiana Development Ready Communities Grant
This program awards $10,000 grants to parishes and municipalities for community development expenses like marketing, infrastructure improvements, grant writing, and matching funds.
Other relevant programs and
initiatives
Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)
ThiThough technically a federal program administered by the USDA, these grants support various business and community projects in rural areas, including technical assistance, facilities, and equipment.
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program (REDLG)
Another USDA program, REDLG offers zero- interest loans to local utilities that they then pass through to local businesses for projects that create and retain jobs in rural areas.
AHealthy Communities Grant - Keep Louisiana Beautiful
This grant provides funding for local projects and programs that aim to improve the appearance of communities by focusing on litter removal, prevention, education, and waste management practices.
Important Notes
-
Application Deadlines
Programs such as the Louisiana Development Ready Communities Grant have specific application periods. It is crucial to check the program’s official website for current deadlines. -
Eligibility Requirements
Each funding source has its own specific eligibility criteria. Be sure to review these requirements carefully before applying. -
Disaster Recovery Funding
In addition to ongoing programs, Louisiana offers disaster recovery resources through the following agencies:-
Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP)
-
Office of Community Development – Disaster Recovery Unit (OCD-DR)
Available programs include:
-
Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program
-
Business recovery loans for those impacted by disasters
-

Federal Funding Channeled Through the StatesDrinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF)Established under the Safe Drinking Water Act, this program provides states with capitalization grants. States then use these funds to offer:
-
Low-interest loans
-
Technical assistance to public water systems
Key updates:
-
In 2025, the EPA announced $8.9 billion in funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and DWSRF, stemming from:
-
Annual appropriations
-
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
-
DWSRF funds, including those from the IIJA, can be used for:
-
Lead service line replacement
-
Grants or principal forgiveness loans to disadvantaged communities (a significant portion of IIJA funds must be used this way)
-
State Matching Requirement:
-
States must provide a 20% match to the federal capitalization grants
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)This legislation provides over $50 billion for water infrastructure improvements, including:
-
Drinking water
-
Wastewater
-
Stormwater infrastructure
Key allocations:
-
$4 billion directed to the DWSRF for addressing emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS)
-
Specific grant funding for:
-
Lead service line replacement
-
Projects in small or disadvantaged communities dealing with emerging contaminants
Other State-Level Funding Mechanisms
-
State Match Funds
As required by federal programs like the DWSRF, states must contribute matching funds. These matches help:
-
Establish a permanent funding source through loan repayments and interest
-
Support future water infrastructure projects
-
State Legislation and Initiatives
Many states are actively:
-
Proposing and enacting new laws to improve drinking water safety
-
Addressing issues such as emerging contaminants, infrastructure resilience, and equitable access to clean water
Low-interest loans
Technical assistance to public water systems
In 2025, the EPA announced $8.9 billion in funding through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and DWSRF, stemming from:
-
Annual appropriations
-
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
DWSRF funds, including those from the IIJA, can be used for:
-
Lead service line replacement
-
Grants or principal forgiveness loans to disadvantaged communities (a significant portion of IIJA funds must be used this way)
State Matching Requirement:
-
States must provide a 20% match to the federal capitalization grants
Drinking water
Wastewater
Stormwater infrastructure
$4 billion directed to the DWSRF for addressing emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS)
Specific grant funding for:
-
Lead service line replacement
-
Projects in small or disadvantaged communities dealing with emerging contaminants
State Match Funds
As required by federal programs like the DWSRF, states must contribute matching funds. These matches help:
-
Establish a permanent funding source through loan repayments and interest
-
Support future water infrastructure projects
State Legislation and Initiatives
Many states are actively:
-
Proposing and enacting new laws to improve drinking water safety
-
Addressing issues such as emerging contaminants, infrastructure resilience, and equitable access to clean water

Envirosult
203 G Long Plantation
Lafayette, LA 70508
envirosultusa@gmail.com