[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 209 (Monday, October 28, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55635-55636]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-27582]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-5641-4]


Interim Guidance for Implementation of the Drinking Water State 
Revolving Loan Fund; Notice of Availability and Request for Comment

ACTION: Notice of availability for comment.

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SUMMARY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public 
comment on interim guidance for implementation of the Drinking Water 
State Revolving Fund (DWSRF).
    The DWSRF program was established by the reauthorized Safe Drinking 
Water Act (SDWA), signed by President Clinton on August 6, 1996. The 
SDWA authorizes $9.6 billion for the DWSRF program from fiscal year 
1994 through fiscal year 2003. For fiscal year 1997, EPA's budget 
includes $1.275 billion for the DWSRF program. On a national level, the 
Office of Water is responsible for implementing the SDWA requirements, 
including the DWSRF program.
    The DWSRF is authorized as a State loan program, to be capitalized 
in large part by Federal contributions. Loans from State capitalization 
grants must be made to protect public health and to achieve or maintain 
SDWA compliance. States have flexibility to tailor DWSRF programs to 
address local needs as long as the programs meet the minimum Federal 
requirements in the law. States are required to develop a priority list 
of projects, subject to public review. States must describe how their 
programs will prioritize use of DWSRF project funds.
    The SDWA amendments establish a strong emphasis on preventing 
contamination through source water protection and enhanced water system 
management. The amendments also emphasize the needs of small water 
systems. States may use portions of their DWSRF capitalization grants 
to work toward attaining some of these goals and are required to 
reserve portions of their grants for small water systems.
    The interim guidance for implementation of the DWSRF has been 
issued so that capitalization grants can be awarded to States as soon 
as possible. EPA is seeking comment on all aspects of the guidance. To 
collect further comment, EPA will hold a public meeting on November 12, 
1996, at the EPA Auditorium in Washington, DC.

DATES: EPA will accept public comment on this guidance until November 
27, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Copies of the Interim Guidance for Implementation of the 
DWSRF are available from the Safe Drinking Water Act Hotline, telephone 
(800) 426-4791. Copies are also available from the Office of Water 
Resource Center (RC4100), U.S. EPA, 401 M Street, SW, Washington, DC 
20460. A single copy of this document can be picked up at the Resource 
Center I 2615 Mall at the address above. The Center is open from 8:30 
a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The DWSRF Guidance may also be 
obtained from the EPA Web Site at the URL address ``http://www.epa.gov/
OW/OGWDW''. For further information on the public meeting to be held 
November 12, 1996, contact the Safe Drinking Water Act Hotline.
    Send written comments on the DWSRF guidance to Comment Clerk; Water 
Docket MC-4101; Environmental Protection Agency; 401 M Street, SW; 
Washington, DC 20460. Commentators are requested to submit any 
reference cited in their comments. Commentators are also requested to 
submit an original and 3 copies of their written comments and 
enclosures. Commentators who want receipt of their comments 
acknowledged should include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. All 
comments must be postmarked or delivered by hand by November 27, 1996. 
No facsimiles (faxes) will be accepted.


[[Page 55636]]


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The Safe Drinking Water Act Hotline, 
telephone (800) 426-4791. For technical inquiries, contact Jamie 
Bourne, Drinking Water Implementation and Assistance Division, Office 
of Ground Water and Drinking Water, (4606), U.S. EPA, 401 M Street, SW, 
Washington, DC 20460, telephone (202) 260-5557.

    Dated: October 18, 1996.
Cynthia C. Dougherty,
Director, Office of Groundwater and Drinking Water.
[FR Doc. 96-27582 Filed 10-25-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P