For a very limited time, low-income homeowners in southern and eastern Kentucky can apply for a PRIDE grant to replace a failing septic system or straight pipe. The PRIDE grants will pay for installation of a septic system or connection to a public sewer system, if one runs by the home.

Eligibility Requirements
PRIDE grants are for low-income homeowners in established homes in the 38 counties served by Eastern Kentucky PRIDE (Adair, Bath, Bell, Breathitt, Casey, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Floyd, Green, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, McCreary, Menifee, Metcalfe, Monroe, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Taylor, Wayne, Whitley and Wolfe Counties).

The grant application asks for:

1. Proof of income. The combined income of everyone living in the home must be below 55% of the HUD poverty guideline. The proof of income can be a recent check stub, federal income tax statement, or Social Security benefits statement.
2. Copy of a recorded deed showing ownership of the property. This shows that the applicant owns the property and has the legal right to improve the property. Rental and leased properties are not eligible for this grant program.
3. Copy of the electric bill for the residence. The electric bill must show the physical address of the residence where the system will be installed. The electric bill must be in the name of the homeowner.

Application Process
Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis, and priority will be given to the fully complete applications that are received before March 3, 2010.

The grant application form must be filled in completely, and all required documents must be attached.

Completed grant applications should be mailed to: Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, 2292 S. Hwy. 27, Somerset, KY 42501.

If you applied for this grant program in past years, you must submit a new application. Your new application will be given first priority, if it is complete and submitted by March 3, 2010.

About the Grant Program
The goal of the PRIDE Homeowner Septic System Grant program is to give low-income homeowners the opportunity to replace their straight pipes, outhouses or failing septic systems with sanitary wastewater treatment systems, which are required by state and federal laws. The program is based on PRIDE’s founding principle that each resident of southern and eastern Kentucky is personally responsible for the environment. PRIDE helps people who want to act responsibly but cannot afford to do so.