Clean Start Sewer Program

The City of Hattiesburg is introducing the Clean Start Sewer Program, an initiative aimed at enhancing our community’s environmental health and quality of life. This grant program is dedicated to repairing or replacing deteriorated, broken, or improperly connected sewer service lines within designated priority areas. Our goal is to significantly reduce the inflow and infiltration of stormwater into the sewer system, thereby improving the effectiveness of our overall sewer treatment system.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVE

The Clean Start Sewer Program focuses on making essential repairs or replacements to sewer service lines that extend from residential homes to the city’s sewer tap. This includes work on both public and private property within designated Priority Areas. Through these efforts, we aim to contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more efficient sewer system for our city.

LEGAL AUTHORITY

This project was undertaken in connection with the settlement of an enforcement action, United States et al. v. City of Hattiesburg, taken on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to enforce the Clean Water Act and the Mississippi Air and Water Pollution Control Law.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Property Eligibility:

• Must be located within designated Priority Areas.
• Must be used for residential purposes.
• Must have a sewer service line in need of repair, replacement, or disconnection of illicit connections.

Owner Eligibility:

• Household income must qualify as low to moderate per HUD FY 2023 income limits for Hattiesburg, MS.
• Proof of ownership is required.
• Heir properties and 16th-section land leaseholds may be eligible under certain conditions.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested property owners can apply through the application (click here to download), which includes basic household information, ownership status, and income verification. Applications are available on our website and can be submitted in person at the Transportation & Engineering Department, by email (cleanstartSEP@hattiesburgms.com) or by mail (Transportation & Engineering Department | ATTN: Clean Start Hattiesburg | P.O. Box 1898, Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1898).

PROGRAM STEPS

1. Application Intake: Submit your preliminary application for eligibility review.
2. Pre-Inspection: Eligible applications will undergo a sewer line inspection to assess the need for repair or replacement.
3. Contractor Selection: Qualified contractors will be selected based on a competitive quote process.
4. Tri-Party Agreement: A formal agreement will be executed between the applicant, the contractor and the City of Hattiesburg.
5. Project Execution: Approved projects will proceed with the necessary repairs or replacements.

FUNDING & PROGRAM EXPANSION

The initial program funding is set to cover at least 45 repair, replacement, or illicit connection removal projects for eligible residential properties. Future expansions of the program will be considered based on the availability of funds and the program’s success.

GET INVOLVED

If you reside in a Priority Area and believe your property may qualify, we encourage you to apply today. For more information on eligibility, application process, and program details, use the contact form below.

Join us in making a positive impact on our community and environment through the Clean Start Sewer Program.

Use the magnifying glass in the top right corner of the map to search your address to see if it’s in the priority area.

CONTACT US

For questions or assistance, please call (601) 545-4640. The application and attachments may be submitted by:

IN PERSON: Engineering Department | 212 W Front St., Hattiesburg, MS 39401

EMAIL: cleanstartSEP@hattiesburgms.com

MAIL: Engineering Department | ATTN: Clean Start Hattiesburg | P.O. Box 1898, Hattiesburg, MS 39403-1898