MS HB1425

Establishes the ARPA Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program under the Department of Environmental Quality to provide grants to political subdivisions, utility authorities, and nonprofit utilities for wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funds.

Establishes the ARPA Drinking Water Infrastructure Grant Program under the State Department of Health to provide grants to political subdivisions, utility authorities, and nonprofit utilities for drinking water infrastructure projects funded by ARPA federal funds.

Creates special funds in the State Treasury for both programs, with up to 10% of appropriated funds available for administrative costs and requires grantees to provide 20% cost-sharing (reduced to 5% for small municipalities with populations of 10,000 or less and counties with populations of 30,000 or less).

Exempts personal and professional services contracts entered into by both departments in administering these grant programs from Public Procurement Review Board approval through June 30, 2026.

Requires both departments to develop ranking systems for grant applications based on environmental impact, compliance with regulations, economic development, population served, impacts on disadvantaged communities, funding efforts, cost-sharing proposals, operational plans, and construction readiness.