2027 KY WWATERS Funding Cycle Underway – Applications Due August 31
The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) announced that applications are now being accepted for the 2027 Kentucky Water and Wastewater Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems (KY WWATERS) Program. The announcement was made during a recent meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement, where legislators received an update on the program's progress and recent statutory changes.
Created by the General Assembly in 2024 and updated during the 2026 legislative session, the KY WWATERS Program provides state financial assistance to eligible public water and wastewater utilities facing financial hardship or significant infrastructure challenges. The program is designed to help systems address critical needs while improving long-term sustainability and reliability.
During the committee meeting, KIA Executive Director Sandy Williams reported that the General Assembly approved funding for 34 projects totaling more than $87 million during the program's initial funding cycle. Of those projects, 23 have completed the assistance agreement process, representing more than $64 million in funding, while the remaining projects continue to work through the required documentation and grant administration requirements.
What Utilities Need to Know
Legislators also received an overview of changes enacted through House Bill 651 (2026). Among the most significant revisions, applicants must now meet at least three program eligibility criteria, and KIA has expanded its scoring methodology to place greater emphasis on project readiness, financial need, system conditions, and overall community benefit. These enhancements are intended to ensure available funding is directed toward utilities with the greatest need and projects that are ready to move forward.
Applications for the 2027 KY WWATERS funding cycle are now open and must be submitted to KIA no later than August 31, 2026.
Following the application deadline, KIA will evaluate and score eligible projects before submitting funding recommendations to the General Assembly by December 1, 2026, for consideration during the 2027 Regular Session.
KRWA Encourages Eligible Utilities to Apply
The Kentucky Rural Water Association encourages utilities that may qualify for KY WWATERS funding to review the updated eligibility requirements and begin preparing their applications as soon as possible. Utilities should carefully evaluate project readiness, financial documentation, and supporting information to maximize competitiveness under the revised scoring criteria.
KRWA staff are available to assist utilities with evaluating potential projects, discussing program requirements, and connecting systems with available technical resources throughout the application process.
Additional information, application materials, and program guidance are available through the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority.
Additional Resources
- KIA KY WWATERS Program: https://kia.ky.gov/kentuckywwaters/Pages/default.aspx
- House Bill 651 (2026): https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/26rs/hb651.html
Interim Joint Committee on General Government, Finance, Personnel, and Public Retirement Meeting Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utoiwg0OVgA