Water Resource Restoration Sponsored Projects Approval Process Sponsored Projects Overview Project Initiation Technical Review Bidding and Construction Construction Financing Go into Slide Show mode to view the slides and enable the links to other information October 2013

Overview The sponsored project must improve water quality in the watershed in which the wastewater utility is located. Funding is achieved by the wastewater utility borrowing from the Clean Water SRF for an infrastructure project + a nonpoint source watershed project. The overall interest rate is reduced, allowing the utility to finance two projects for the cost of one. 23 applications were approved for the first round of funding in FY Click here for the list of projects on a tracking spreadsheet.Click here for the list of projects on a tracking spreadsheet. The application process for upcoming years is to be determined. For more information, contact Patti Cale-Finnegan, ;

Project Initiation Each project will be covered by a team that includes: The wastewater utility, any qualified entity involved, the utility’s engineering consultant, a DNR project manager, the Iowa Finance Authority, a technical advisor from IDALS or ISU, other project partners, and other funders. The project tracking spreadsheet includes contact information.The project tracking spreadsheet The DNR project manager will schedule a project initiation meeting with all the parties involved in the project. The participants will discuss technical requirements and standards for the project, including schedules, SRF requirements, any permitting requirements (e.g. flood plain, stormwater, NPDES), the necessity and creation of Iowa Code chapter 28E agreements, and any other project issues. Click here for a sample project initiation meeting agenda. Click here for the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual.

Technical Review Technical assistance, review, and oversight will be provided to each applicant through the DNR project managers, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa State University. Project managers and technical advisors will: –Review conceptual plans; –Conduct site visits; –Consult with applicants on design issues; –Review plans and specifications for compliance with design standards; –Determine eligibility; –Approve bidding documents; –Approve change orders; and –Conduct interim and final inspections. Plans and specs must be submitted to DNR before bidding and must include required SRF front-end specifications. Click here for instructions on the SRF front-ends.Click here for instructions on the SRF front-ends.

Bidding and Construction SRF front-end specifications must be included in the plans and specifications. SRF recommends simply inserting the “Required Sponsored Project SRF Front-End Specifications” (available in PDF or Word format) for ease of review by the DNR project manager. “Required Sponsored Project SRF Front-End Specifications” The packet includes several forms that must be filled out by the bidders and returned with the bids. Applicants should pay close attention to the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise requirements and forms. When the applicant identifies the lowest responsive bidder, a packet of bid documents must be submitted to SRF staff for review of eligible costs and concurrence with the bid award. The packet materials are identified in the “Bid Checklist for Applicants.”“Bid Checklist for Applicants.” The DNR project manager will review the bid documents for eligibility and compliance with federal requirements.

Construction Financing After bids are approved, the wastewater utility must submit or amend its SRF loan application to include the sponsored project costs.SRF loan application The applicant works with bond counsel to schedule and hold a public hearing and pass a bond resolution. IFA will provide a debt service schedule. All SRF loan proceeds are disbursed after the borrower incurs costs. Disbursements are made weekly. Sponsored project costs and invoices must be submitted separately from the wastewater project and clearly labeled. The final amount available for the sponsored project will be determined once the amount disbursed for the wastewater project is finalized.

For More Information on Iowa’s State Revolving Fund Click Here