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Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF)

The CWSRF helps municipalities and eligible borrowers finance wastewater treatment, stormwater controls, and other projects that protect Rhode Island's waters.

$250M+

Committed since inception

Illustrative total

38%

Interest cost savings vs. market

Representative benchmark

240+

Projects assisted

Placeholder figure

1989

Program established

Historical context

Ready to apply

General application

For public entities applying for long-term financing for drinking water, clean water, energy efficiency and/or renewable energy, or road and bridge projects.

Not sure this is the right form? Check eligibility or browse all application forms.

Eligibility

Who can apply

Municipalities, quasi-public wastewater entities, and other eligible borrowers as defined in program guidance may apply when projects appear on an approved Intended Use Plan (IUP).

Use of funds

Eligible uses commonly include wastewater treatment upgrades, nutrient removal, stormwater BMPs, combined sewer improvements, asset management planning tied to capital work, and related engineering when consistent with federal and state priorities.

Requirements

Projects typically require environmental review readiness, permitting alignment, readiness to proceed (design/construction schedules), creditworthiness or supported security structures, and compliance with state procurement and reporting expectations.

Final eligibility is determined by RIIB staff based on program rules in effect at application. Use this page as orientation, not legal advice.

Program stories

View all stories
  • A Resilient New Water Treatment Plant in Woonsocket

    Partner City of Woonsocket Challenge: The City of Woonsocket’s aging drinking water plant was not meeting Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management water quality discharge standards and entered into an agreemen

    Read story
  • Ensuring a Cleaner Narragansett Bay

    Partner Town of Warren Challenge: Warren’s municipal wastewater treatment facility was found to be discharging high levels of nitrogen into Warren Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Warren officials reached out to the Infrastr

    Read story

How to apply

Planning cycles vary; allow several months for engineering readiness, environmental review alignment, and credit underwriting.

  1. Confirm eligibility

    Discuss your project scope with program staff and verify alignment with current funding priorities.

    Jump to eligibility
  2. Prepare documentation

    Assemble preliminary engineering, permits strategy, schedule, and financial/credit materials requested in the application packet.

  3. Submit application

    Complete the online application for this program. You can also download the PDF if you prefer to work offline.

    Apply online
  4. Underwriting and closing

    RIIB completes credit review and coordinates closing steps with counsel and borrowing counsel as applicable.

Frequently asked questions

Who sets interest rates for CWSRF loans?

Rates reflect program policies and market conditions at closing. Confirm current pricing with staff during underwriting.

Can storm-only projects qualify?

Stormwater projects may qualify when consistent with eligible categories and priorities described in program guidance.

Where do I send technical questions?

Use the contact section below for staff routing. Engineering questions may be coordinated with your assigned project analyst.

Is there a deadline for applications?

Funding rounds vary. Refer to posted notices for the active cycle or ask staff about pipeline intake.

Related programs

Contact

Anthony Hebert

Business Development Officer

For more information about the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, please contact:

Contact

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