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Ellis County awarded $50,000 KDHE septic grant; income eligibility expanded
Summary
County environmental staff said Ellis County received a $50,000 Local Environmental Protection Program (LEPP) grant from KDHE to help low- and moderate-income households repair or replace failing onsite wastewater systems, with new income thresholds extending assistance to households up to 350% of the federal poverty level.
Environmental Services Director Justin Craig told the commission Ellis County was awarded a $50,000 grant through the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Local Environmental Protection Program (LEPP) to support repair or replacement of failing onsite wastewater systems.
Craig said the grant stipulations were broadened to allow a larger pool of applicants. Under the updated breakdown, households at or below 300% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify for 100% coverage of repair or replacement costs using grant funds; households at 301% to 325% qualify for 85% coverage; households at 326% to 350% qualify for 75% coverage. Craig noted those thresholds increased from prior program levels (which had lower percentage and lower FPL cutoffs). He said a few residents had inquired but did not qualify under program rules.
Craig and the commissioners emphasized the public-health and water-quality rationale: replacement of failing systems helps protect surface and groundwater that residents rely on for drinking water. The commission gave Craig direction to continue outreach; Craig said he will return with final program details and application procedures.
