Palm Bay Launches ARPA-Funded Septic to Sewer Conversion Program for Low-Income Households
Eligible Palm Bay Residents Can Now Apply for Grants to Transition from Septic Tanks to City Sewer System
In a significant move towards enhancing the city’s infrastructure and public health, the City of Palm Bay has announced the initiation of a first-eligible, first-served program aimed at supporting low-income families in transitioning from septic systems to the city’s sewer network. This initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
A Focus on Low-Income Households
Recognizing the financial barriers that often hinder the adoption of more sustainable infrastructure solutions, the program specifically targets families residing within low-income area census tracts, as designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This prioritization ensures that the benefits of the program reach those who need them the most, facilitating a smoother transition to the city’s sewer lines for eligible homes.
Program Details and Eligibility
The ARPA Septic to Sewer Program is designed to cover all costs associated with the abandonment of wells and/or septic tanks, including design/engineering, permitting, construction/installation, and impact fees. To be eligible, homes must be owner-occupied, located within the Palm Bay city limits, and have access to the city’s sewer lines. Applicants are required to provide their household’s 2022 tax returns as part of the pre-qualification process.
How to Apply
Interested homeowners are encouraged to visit the program’s official webpage for detailed information on the application process. Additionally, the city has made available a pre-qualification application form and a comprehensive FAQ section to address potential queries from the public.
A Step Towards a Greener Palm Bay
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the City of Palm Bay to promote environmental sustainability and public health through improved infrastructure. By facilitating the transition to sewer systems, the program aims to reduce the environmental impact of septic tanks, enhance the quality of local water bodies, and provide a more sustainable and health-conscious solution for waste management.
Residents are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to the city’s environmental goals while also benefiting from an improved and more sustainable living environment. For additional information or to apply for the program, please visit www.pbfl.org/ARPA or contact the program directly via email at arpa@pbfl.org.
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For ongoing coverage and updates on this and other local initiatives, keep an eye on The Palm Bayer. Our commitment to providing the Palm Bay community with timely, accurate, and comprehensive news remains unwavering.
Previous Coverage:
Thank you Tom for the updates. This backs up some of my points that I presented to the Council during Public Comments on Dec 7, 2023. The Council smugly rationalized the cost of a Utility mandate by implying there is "Grant" money available (implying shielding of the residents from the cost). They talk about this money as if it's "free" money. In this case its Fed (ARPA) money, and given the state of budget affairs in DC its "borrowed" money (often from China) on our behalf. I mentioned to the council that these grants are usually means-tested. (this one says you have to show a tax return just to apply, I saw no income level mentioned), there are a lot of retirees around here with 401Ks , I can foresee those affected folks might have to disclose their assets when applying for these future grants that are supposed to come down the pike. (in previous episodes of attempted Utility mandates this was the case) Btw- I'll add that I spoke to a Well Driller this week, (and exchanged msgs with another last month) it seems to be the consensus that the City cannot force you to abandon your well in lieu of a City water connection. (wells are in the jurisdiction of the St John's water management district, so be prudent when you vote for their leaders on the ballot). I'm NOT a Lawyer, but to me this raises a question of the validity of the connection ordinance in the first place since well-connection is not within the City's jurisdiction. Stay tuned.