LIHWAP AT-2021-04 Tribes Request for Designation Letters and Decline of Funds FY2021
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
Action Transmittal
AT#: LIHWAP-AT-2021-04
DATE: April 7, 2021
TO: Tribes
SUBJECT: Reminder Request for LIHWAP Designation Letter and Request for Decline of Funds
ATTACHMENT(S): Sample Decline of Funds Letter
Hello all,
This is a reminder that the Office of Community Services (OCS) requires a designation letter identifying a responsible governmental official who will be empowered to submit a state plan and to sign any required certifications or assurances regarding the new Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This designation letter is essential for OCS to administer and send communications regarding this new program for emergency funding.
This designation letter was due to OCS on Monday, March 8, 2021. Our records indicate that you have not yet submitted the requested information. You must submit this letter to the Office of Community services no later than Thursday, April 15, 2021.
For more information, as well as an example of a designation letter, please refer to the Action Transmittal emailed from TribalAffairs@hhs.gov on February 22, 2021. (Subject: Notification and Action Request for FY 2021 Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program). You can also find the Action Transmittal here.
If you choose not to apply for LIHWAP emergency funding, we are requesting that you send in an official letter declining funds by April 27th so that we are able to proceed with the LIHWAP funding release for interested states, territories, and tribes. An example of a letter declining funds is included as Attachment A. This letter must be signed by the governor’s office within each state and U.S. territory.
If you have additional questions regarding this new program and eligibility, we encourage you to attend the upcoming Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) Information and Feedback Sessions on April 20th and 22nd. The April 22nd session is intended specifically for tribes, for OCS to better understand tribal water needs and concerns. Communication regarding conference registration and a detailed agenda will be disseminated prior to the meeting through a separate email, and will be available on the LIHWAP webpage by Monday, April 12, 2021. If you have additional questions that are unanswered after the feedback session, we encourage you to reach out to the LIHWAP Tribes email at LIHWAPTribes@acf.hhs.gov.
Thank you for your attention to these matters. OCS looks forward to continuing to provide high-quality services to OCS grantees.
/s/
Lauren Christopher
Director, Division of Energy Assistance
Office of Community Services
ATTACHMENT A — Sample Decline of Funds Letter
Dr. Lanikque Howard
Director
Office of Community Services
Administration for Children and Families
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
330 C Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
Dear Dr. Howard:
This letter is in response to the opportunity to apply or decline the Low-Income Household Drinking Water and Wastewater Assistance Program (LIHWAP) emergency funding.
The tribe of [Tribe Name] will not be applying for LIHWAP emergency funds.
If you have additional questions, you may contact [Contact Name] at [Contact Number and Contact Email].
Sincerely
[Tribal Executive Signature]
[Tribal Executive Printed Name]