; (X) providing for disaster readiness, support, and response activities targeted to disadvantaged communities that lack the financial resources and human capital necessary to adequately address significant health, safety, or sanitary concerns; and (XI) other areas the Secretary deems appropriate. (iii) Additional uses In response to activities under subparagraph (B) related to natural disasters and emergencies, not more than 5 percent of each award may be used to purchase or reimburse the rental costs of appropriate emergency equipment, as determined by the Secretary. (E) Eligible project areas To receive assistance under the Rural Water and Wastewater Circuit Rider Program and carry out activities, an eligible entity must serve— (i) an area with a population of— (I) 10,000 or fewer inhabitants for technical assistance under subparagraph (D)(i); or (II) 50,000 or fewer inhabitants for disaster and recovery assistance under subparagraph (D)(ii); and (ii) a public body, non-profit corporation, or Indian tribe with legal authority to own and operate the water facility. (F) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this paragraph $25,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 through fiscal year 2029. . 6403. Zero and low interest loans for distressed water systems Section 306(a) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1926(a) ) is amended by inserting after paragraph (22) the following: (23) Assistance for distressed water systems (A) To promote the long-term sustainability and financial viability of eligible rural community waste disposal and water facilities as described in subparagraph (B), for any entity described in subparagraph (C), the Secretary may— (i) make a zero percent interest loan or a 1 percent interest loan pursuant to paragraph (1); (ii) forgive the principal or interest, or modify any term or condition of a new or existing loan made pursuant to paragraph (1)