The Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Community Initiative Addresses Wastewater Challenges in Rural America
The Ask: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Agriculture sought to provide technical assistance to rural and underserved communities to assess and identify wastewater infrastructure needs and pursue federal funding for solution options. The initiative provides technical assistance to 11 communities across the American South and Southwest facing various water infrastructure and sanitation challenges.
The Solution: MDB decentralized wastewater experts, engineers, and analysts were engaged to conduct site visits, engage with communities, complete community wastewater assessments, and develop solutions plans for the 11 communities. MDB conducted assessments of physical and natural infrastructure and evaluated technical, regulatory, managerial, and financial capacity of local governments to implement sustainable wastewater treatment solutions. MDB facilitated and organized meetings with community members, routinely engaged stakeholders, and provided project management services to prioritize community goals.
Notable Outcomes: MDB successfully engaged community leaders, completed wastewater assessments, developed community outreach materials, and outlined innovative treatment solutions. Community and local government leaders have touted the benefits of the technical assistance teams’ work supporting their community and bringing infrastructure and funding solutions options that have long challenged their community.
