BIL funds can support communities and projects with the same current CWSRF program eligibilities. Eligible public agencies include tribal nations, cities, counties, sanitary districts, soil and water conservation districts, irrigation districts, various special districts, and certain intergovernmental entities. "Public agency" in this program is defined by ORS 468.423. The program also lends to certified nonprofit Community Development Financial Institutions to make sub-loans for the repair or replacement of a failing septic system, or connection to a public sewer system.
With BIL, the CWSRF will be able to help more communities by providing more of the incentives that the program already offers. These includes below-market interest rates, forgivable loan principal that does not need to be repaid and free technical assistance. Principal forgiveness is awarded to eligible borrowers who have a green/sustainable project that meets EPA criteria or are an economically disadvantaged community.