Capacity Development

Examining alternative approaches to meeting regulatory compliance or environmental infrastructure needs
Empowering communities to act as the “drivers” for their own projects
Assisting with procuring professional services
Presenting funding alternatives
Acting as a bridge between federal, state, local and tribal governments
Presenting neutral analyses of issues or projects
Gathering stakeholder input

Following the passage of the 1996 SDWA amendments requiring capacity development strategies, the EFCs worked with many states to assist in developing their strategies, including stakeholder involvement. The strategies are designed to assist systems in improving their technical, managerial, and financial capabilities. Since the implementation of these strategies, the EFCs have continued to assist states in assessing the effectiveness of the strategies and in improving aspects of it. In addition, the EFCs have worked with individual water systems to build capacity within the system.

To complete its projects, the NM EFC relies on many tools and techniques, including: stakeholder meeting facilitation; internal agency workgroup facilitation; advisory group development; financing alternatives presentation and directories; technology transfer; charrettes, conferences and workshops; research publications and reports; and one-on-one assistance to state, local, and tribal governments and environmental service providers (e.g., water and wastewater systems.) The NM EFC staff attend many conferences, trainings and workshops as participants, exhibitors, and presenters to gather information to share with its clients and to disseminate information regarding NM EFC projects that could be of interest and benefit to other entities.

For more information, check these related documents:
ICIP Cost Estimating Guide
Show Me Rate-Maker (Excel rate-setting software)

Environmental Finance Advisory Board

EPA Environmental Finance Program

EPA Region 6 Drinking Water Program