Bridgot Gysbers, Economic Consultant
In this edition of Municipal Money Minute, we sat down with Bridgot Gysbers, an Economic Consultant at R/M, to unpack the details of two critical infrastructure funding opportunities for Wisconsin communities: the Safe Drinking Water Loan (SDWL) and the Clean Water Fund (CWF). These state-run programs help municipalities plan and pay for essential water, wastewater, and stormwater projects—with the potential for principal forgiveness that can significantly reduce long-term costs.
Whether you're preparing for the next application cycle or reviewing your project scoring, Bridgot shares practical guidance to help you stay ahead.
Q: What do these funding programs cover?
A: The SDWL supports drinking water and water infrastructure projects—think water main replacements, well upgrades, and lead service line work. The CWF is geared toward wastewater and stormwater projects. Both programs offer principal forgiveness opportunities, which we can help communities qualify for.
Q: What kinds of projects are most commonly funded?
A: For SDWLP, we typically see water main replacements, lead service line removal, and well construction or rehab. CWFP often funds wastewater treatment plant upgrades, storm sewer improvements, and phosphorus reduction projects.
Q: What makes a project more likely to qualify for principal forgiveness?
A: Points are typically awarded for things like regional collaboration or phosphorus reduction. These scoring elements can significantly boost your chances of receiving funding that doesn’t need to be repaid.
Q: What IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REIMBURSEMENT & REFINANCING RESOLUTION?
A: A reimbursement resolution is if you are using SDWLP/CWFP to pay back a municipal account that advances internal fund to temporarily pay for project costs. Refinancing resolution is if you are using SDWL/CWF to pay off all or part of the debt that was taken out by the municipality to temporarily finance project costs. Both resolutions would need to be approved by your local governing body prior to the application deadline of June 30th.
Q: What should communities be doing now if they filed an Intent to Apply (ITA) last fall?
A: If you submitted an ITA for the 2026 fiscal cycle, the WDNR has likely already reviewed your submission and scored it. Projects scoring 50 points or higher stand a strong chance of receiving funding—those communities should plan to submit a full application by June 30.
If you scored lower than expected, review the feedback and consider filing an appeal. Just keep in mind: the appeal isn’t reviewed until after the application is submitted, and the appeal deadline falls at the end of July.
Q: Why is early planning so critical with these programs?
A: Timing is everything. After the June 30 application deadline, there's still an 8-month process before a loan closes. Many communities need interim financing during this period. If you miss a cycle or delay, it can disrupt future project timelines or funding eligibility. These programs operate in a rolling, annual cycle, so proactive planning is key.
Q: What happens after a community is awarded funding?
A: Once your application is accepted, the community enters the loan closing phase. You’ll likely need to arrange interim financing to bridge the gap until DNR funds are disbursed—something we can help clients coordinate as part of their overall funding strategy.
Q: How can someone reach you for more information?
A: I often post updates on my LinkedIn and Facebook, or you can always reach out to me directly at Ruekert & Mielke.
About the Author
BRIDGOT GYSBERS
ECONOMIC CONSULTANT
Bridgot is an expert in grant writing and administration with broad experience across various industries and project types. She brings 16 years of direct regulatory experience, giving her a deep understanding of how to navigate both internal and external regulatory environments. At R/M, she leverages this expertise to help clients maximize funding opportunities and identify the most effective financial and management solutions for their needs.