Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) Grant

The Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households (SEARCH) program, offered by USDA Rural Development, is open to assist very small, financially distressed rural communities in Alabama. This program provides essential support to rural communities that require predevelopment feasibility studies, technical assistance, and planning for potential water and waste disposal projects. Through these resources, the SEARCH program aims to help communities address critical infrastructure needs by offering initial support for planning, designing, and assessing the viability of proposed projects. Eligible applicants for the SEARCH program include state and local governmental entities, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. The program specifically targets rural areas with populations of 2,500 or fewer, where the median household income is either below the poverty line or less than 80 percent of Alabama’s non-metropolitan median household income, as determined by the most recent Census data. This ensures that funding reaches communities most in need of financial support for essential infrastructure. Funds from the SEARCH program are designated for predevelopment activities. Eligible uses include feasibility studies that assist applicants in pursuing additional funding, preliminary engineering and design work, and technical support for completing financial assistance applications. These predevelopment planning expenses must be directly connected to projects aimed at improving rural water systems, waste disposal, sanitary sewage systems, and stormwater management. Additionally, the funds can support improvements or relocations of public and private infrastructure necessary for successful facility operations. Applicants should note that the proposed projects must focus on expanding, constructing, or upgrading essential rural infrastructure. Eligible projects include constructing, enlarging, or improving water and waste management facilities, as well as making necessary public and private improvements like roads, bridges, and utilities that support the infrastructure's operation. These efforts aim to improve the quality of life for rural residents by enhancing access to safe, reliable water and waste disposal services. To begin the application process, interested parties should reach out to their local USDA Rural Development office, as applications for SEARCH funding are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Program resources, including application forms, guidance documents, and certifications, are available online for applicants. The USDA encourages applicants to review these resources to ensure that all required information and documentation are accurately completed. The SEARCH program is governed by Title 7 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1774, and Section 306 of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act. This regulatory framework supports the USDA's goal of assisting rural communities in accessing clean, safe water and effective waste management systems, ultimately fostering improved living conditions and supporting sustainable community growth for residents and businesses in rural Alabama.