Convening Around a Shared Goal
The Pontchartrain Basin Working Group, a regional collaboration among the Southwest Environmental Finance Center (SWEFC), Pontchartrain Conservancy, The Water Collaborative, Moonshot Missions, and WaterNow Alliance, was established in 2024 through the SWEFC’s Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater Assistance Program, which works to build capacity and improve State Revolving Fund (SRF) access for systems across EPA Region 6.
Together, we aim to strengthen community resilience across Southeast Louisiana by making it easier for local water leaders to access the information, resources, and funding they need for water infrastructure projects. By combining our collective expertise in technical assistance, funding navigation, and community engagement, we’re helping systems and community organizations plan and deliver projects that protect public health, restore natural systems, and support thriving local economies.
What We’re Working On
We’re developing resources to better connect Pontchartrain Basin communities with available financial and technical support opportunities to address drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater management needs, including:
Funding & Financing Database
We’re building an interactive, user-friendly database that compiles federal, state, and local funding (grants) and financing (loans) opportunities available for Louisiana water infrastructure projects. The database will help communities quickly identify programs that align with their goals while also connecting them with technical assistance providers.
Key features include:
- An easy-to-use tool with details on each opportunity, including eligibility, application steps, and contact information.
- Filters to search by project drivers and goals, so users can find opportunities that best match their needs.
- A directory of technical assistance providers in Southeast Louisiana and the types of support they offer, from application help and project planning to on-the-ground implementation.
- Information on funding and financing options for both gray and green infrastructure projects, as well as those that combine both approaches.
- A platform to identify project co-benefits and opportunities for collaborative projects between systems and watershed groups.
The Working Group modeled this resource after the Lake Michigan Funding Resiliency Dashboard, co-developed by WaterNow Alliance, One Water Econ, and American Rivers. We hope the database will bridge the gap between community goals and priorities and the financial and technical resources available to bring those projects to life.
Community Survey: Help Shape the Database
To ensure the database reflects local priorities, we’re seeking insights from parish or municipal leaders, utility staff members, or community-based organizations in Southeast Louisiana through a short survey. The survey is designed to help the Working Group learn more about the Pontchartrain Basin’s:
- Water-related challenges (e.g., storm surge, aging infrastructure, water quality impairments)
- Infrastructure project objectives (e.g., wetlands restoration, disaster response, regulatory compliance)
- Experience applying for SRF loans to finance projects
We know SRFs can be powerful tools for financing infrastructure improvements, but the process to apply for these funds can also be challenging. By understanding the types of projects systems apply for or are interested in pursuing, along with any obstacles they encounter, we can help make the process more accessible and supportive.
This survey is just the beginning of ongoing conversations. Participants can opt to share more information through follow-up calls or emails, helping us tailor future resources and technical assistance to real community needs.
We invite Southeast Louisiana communities to participate in the Water Infrastructure Drivers and Goals Survey to help shape a clearer picture of regional needs, ensure that our tools meet communities where they are, and advance a more resilient future for the Pontchartrain Basin.
Next Steps for Pontchartrain Basin Communities
The Working Group looks forward to sharing updates on upcoming initiatives and the launch of the Funding & Financing Database.
Any Southeast Louisiana communities interested in Working Group support are encouraged to complete the SW EFC Technical Assistance Request Form. A member of the team will follow up to discuss specific needs and opportunities for collaboration.
We also welcome additional Working Group members and encourage community-based organizations working in the basin to reach out.
For additional information or questions, or to join the Working Group, please contact Kerry Miller at [email protected].
Banner image Source: US EPA Urban Waters Partnership