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Community Septic System Loan Program (CSSLP)

The Community Septic System Loan Program (CSSLP) is a lending program that provides low-cost, long-term financing to residential property owners for the repair or replacement of substandard or failing septic systems or to replace cesspools when the homeowner wishes to upgrade to a septic system. Municipalities must opt in to provide this service to their residents.

$25M+

Financed to date

CWSRF IUP (Apr 2025: $27.8M); shown conservatively

70+

Loans closed

CWSRF IUP lifetime CSSLP loans

How it worksResources & fact sheet

Ready to apply

CSSLP / STILF / FPLP application

For municipalities applying to participate in the Community Septic System Loan Program, Sewer Tie-In Loan Fund, or a Facility Plan Loan.

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

Eligibility

For: Residential property owners in participating municipalities, for repair or replacement of substandard or failing septic systems, or to replace cesspools when upgrading to a septic system, subject to local and state requirements.

Use: Financing is tied to eligible on-site wastewater projects that follow an approved process, including alignment with Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) requirements and municipal program rules.

Terms: Typically includes a DEM-approved on-site wastewater management plan, application to DEM’s Project Priority List, a Certificate of Approval, a municipal lending facility with RIIB, and residential underwriting criteria the municipality may update over time.

Participating communities: Bristol, Charlestown, Coventry, Cranston, Glocester, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Johnston, Narragansett, New Shoreham, North Kingstown, Portsmouth, Richmond, Scituate, Smithfield, South Kingstown, Tiverton, Warren, Westerly. Residents should contact their city or town hall for an application.

Contact

Greg Miller, Business Development Officer

Municipalities interested in learning more about CSSLP should contact:

Contact

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How to apply

  1. DEM plan & CoA - Develop a DEM-approved on-site wastewater management plan; use DEM’s Project Priority List and obtain a Certificate of Approval.
  2. Municipal facility - Apply to RIIB for a lending facility and close financing for the participating municipality.
  3. Criteria & RIH - Establish residential underwriting (update anytime). RI Housing underwrites and services the loans.
  4. Terms - 0% to municipalities with no fees, per current program design.
Apply online

Documents

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