Environmental Loans (EL)

See the News page for the most recent program information.

Environmental Loans Section

Environmental Loans administers the Environmental Improvement Fund (EIF) -- the umbrella fund for the programs described below.

In the left-side navigation of each EL web page is a link to a reference guide that provides detailed information on the steps and regulations to be followed in these programs from the early stages of our loan processes through the closeout stage.

You can view the entire reference guide index by selecting the "Reference Guide" button located on most EL pages.

• The Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP) provides low interest loans to municipalities for wastewater treatment facilities and urban storm water runoff projects. In addition to regular CWFP loans, there are 2 subprograms within the Clean Water Fund Program:


• Hardship assistance is available to municipalities that meet certain criteria. [not available for storm water projects]


• Small Loans provides a subsidy to the interest rate on a loan that a municipality obtains from the State Trust Fund.


• The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) provides low interest loans to municipalities for drinking water facilities.

The two major programs follow the same basic process, although timelines, deadlines, and interest rates vary by program.

• Is the EIF right for your project?
• How do I get started?
• How do I apply for a loan?
• What's involved in the loan closing process?
• When and how are the funds disbursed?
• When and how is a loan repaid?
• What is a project close-out?

Other related grant and loan programs exist within other state agencies.

• Wisconsin Catalog of Community Assistance [exit DNR] is a comprehensive list and description of all State of Wisconsin grant and loan programs.


• Water/Wastewater Funding Sources provides summaries of state and federal sources of funds for local governments and individuals.