Community Corner
Rice County Seeking to Assist Rural Property Owners in Septic System Upgrades
Money is available from various Clean Water Legacy grants, according to a press release from Rice County.
Rice County still has available funds from various Clean Water Legacy grants to assist rural property owners in upgrading their septic systems.
Three financial programs with continued funding for 2013 include:
1) A Voluntary Septic Upgrade Incentive Rebate Program for the 2013 construction season. This program offers a $300 rebate to any eligible Rice County property owner that upgrades an imminent health threat septic system or failing to protect groundwater system (other than for the purpose of property transfer, new home construction or additional capacity) and attends an Homeowner Septic Operation and Maintenance Workshop that will be conducted by the University of Minnesota Extension.
2) A Septic Loan Program with current interest rates at either 1 percent or 3 percent, based on income level. The loan is amortized over a 10-year term. This loan program assesses the amount directly onto the property for payment to be received as property taxes are paid over the ten-year term.
3) A 50 percent Cost-Share Grant Program to low income residents to upgrade an imminent health threat septic system. These funds provide a grant for 50% of the cost of the septic system construction (up to $6,000) to eligible property owners that meet the very low household income threshold established by HUD. The first step in qualifying for the cost-share grant funds is to contact the USDA Rural Development office in Faribault to determine eligibility. Once qualified USDA will work with Rice County to ensure an application for the cost-share money is also completed.
All funds are available through 2013 on a first-come first-serve basis. Further information on these programs can be found on the Rice County website at www.co.rice.mn.us/planning or by contacting Environmental Services Department staff at 507-332-6113 or RCPlanningZoning@co.rice.mn.us.
—Rice County website
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