3.31.2017 Thanks to the advocacy of the Drinking Water Coalition, which includes California Food Policy Advocates and close to thirty organizations and agencies, the 2016-17 State Budget provided $9.5 million through budget renegotiation to address and improve access to safe drinking water for schools through the Drinking Water for Schools Grant (DWSG) Program.
The State Water Resource Control Board (SWRCB) is now accepting public comments on the draft Funding Guidelines for the Drinking Water for Schools Grant Program. The program will provide a new source of grant funding for schools that need to improve access to or the quality of drinking water provided to their students and staff. Projects such as water bottle filling stations, which have been shown to increase water consumption by students; or filtration systems that remove harmful contaminants, would be eligible.
Those interested in submitting comments have until April 10, 2017. Comment letters may be sent electronically to the SWRCB Clerk via e-mail at commentletters@waterboards.ca.gov. Those submitting comments should indicate on the transmittal subject line: “Comment Letter – Drinking Water for Schools Grant Program Funding Guidelines.”
Sample comments created by CFPA are available for those interested in informing the process: Doc
More information about the proposed funding guidelines and grant program can be found on the State Water Board website: Link
- Drinking Water For Schools Grant Program Draft Guidelines for Public Comment
- Draft Funding Application
Lastly, on May 2, 2017, the State Water Board will hold a meeting to consider adoption of the Draft Funding Guidelines. The meeting will take place at 9:00 am in the Joe Serna Jr.–CalEPA Headquarters Building Coastal Hearing Room located at 1001 I Street, Second Floor Sacramento, CA 95814
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Questions? Contact Hector Gutierrez, hector@cfpa.net or 213.482.8200 ext. 202.
