# USDA Rural Development Funds Rural Water Assistance

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development's Rural Utilities Service (RUS) announced a **$40 million** funding initiative awarded on September 28, 2026, to support technical assistance and training programs aimed at improving rural water and wastewater systems nationwide. Key awardees include the National Rural Water Association, Rural Community Assistance Partnership Inc., and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association. This funding targets enhanced operations, maintenance, and sustainable management of rural water infrastructure, with the next application window open from October 1 through December 31, 2026, offering opportunities for nonprofits and organizations serving rural communities.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals should note the significant federal investment in rural water infrastructure technical support, signaling ongoing demand for expertise in water system management and training services.
- Organizations serving rural utilities can pursue grant opportunities during the upcoming application period to provide technical assistance and training.
- The involvement of established associations as awardees highlights potential partnership or subcontracting avenues for contractors specializing in rural water and wastewater solutions.
- This initiative aligns with broader federal priorities to strengthen rural economies and infrastructure resilience, indicating sustained funding streams in this sector.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Energy & Utilities
**Topics:** Grants & Funding, Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 28, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Rural Utilities Service (RUS)

### Vendors
- National Rural Water Association (awardee)
- Rural Community Assistance Partnership Inc. (awardee)
- National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> The National Rural Water Association is proud to continue providing essential technical assistance and training to our nation's small and rural utilities through the partnership with USDA Rural Development.
> — Matthew Holmes, Chief Executive Officer

> This funding allows NOWRA to put trained technical assistance professionals directly into small, economically disadvantaged rural communities to resolve failing septic and decentralized wastewater systems.
> — Thomas Groves, Executive Director

> Creating access to technical assistance and training supports President Trump’s initiative to strengthen rural economies and empower our nation’s agricultural producers.
> — Karl Elmshaeuser, Administrator

### Sources
- [USDA Rural Development Announces $40 Million to Support Technical Assistance, Training to Protect, Improve Rural Water and Waste Disposal Systems | Rural Development](https://www.rd.usda.gov/newsroom/news-release/usda-rural-development-announces-40-million-support-technical-assistance-training-protect-improve) - USDA