(a) EDAP funds may be used to provide financial assistance
to political subdivisions for plumbing connections to residences pursuant
to Texas Water Code §17.9225, relating to residential water and
sewer connection assistance.
(b) Definitions. The following words and terms shall
have the following meanings when used in this section.
(1) Connection--joining the indoor water and wastewater
plumbing of a residence to an existing public water supply or sanitary
sewer system.
(2) Public System--a public water supply or sanitary
sewer system.
(3) Public Water Supply System--a system that supplies
safe drinking water as defined in Chapter 341, Health and Safety Code.
(4) Sanitary Sewer System--a system used to transport
waste as defined by Chapter 26, Water Code.
(5) Yard Water Service--the residence supply piping
that carries potable water from the water meter or other source of
water supply to the point of connection to the residence.
(c) Financial assistance may be provided for first-time
connection to a public system to pay for the following costs:
(1) the costs of connecting a residence to a public
water supply system constructed with financial assistance;
(2) the costs of installing yard water service connections;
(3) the costs of installing indoor plumbing facilities
and fixtures;
(4) the costs of connecting a residence to a sanitary
sewer system constructed with financial assistance;
(5) necessary connection and permit fees; and
(6) necessary costs related to the design of plumbing
improvements described by this subsection.
(d) Financial assistance under this section is limited
to residences that demonstrate an inability to pay for the improvements.
Proof of household income that does not exceed the definition of a
low-income family as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development shall constitute a demonstrated inability to pay for the
improvements provided for purposes of this section.
(e) To document household income, the political subdivision
shall use the board's Economically Distressed Areas Program Survey
Instrument.
(f) The political subdivision shall determine the needs
related to connection of residences in the area to be served by the
project to water supply and sewer services during the planning phase
of a project.
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