For a limited time, Bell County’s low-income homeowners can apply for a PRIDE grant to replace a failing septic system or straight pipe.

PRIDE grants will pay for installation of a septic system or connection to a public sewer system, if one runs by the home.

“These grants are for homeowners who want to do the right thing, but can’t afford a septic system or sewer connection,” said Tammie Wilson of PRIDE, the nonprofit organization offering the grants.

“A good septic system or sewer service is critical for the health of homeowners and their neighbors,” Wilson said. “They protect the streams, rivers, lakes and groundwater that we all share. They also are required by state law.”

The septic system grants are intended to improve the quality of life for homeowners and to improve the environment of southern and eastern Kentucky, which is the mission of PRIDE.

PRIDE was founded in 1997 by Congressman Hal Rogers and the late James Bickford, who was the Kentucky Environmental Protection Secretary.

PRIDE encourages individuals to apply for a grant if the following criteria is met:

• You own the home that needs a septic system or sewer connection. (Rental properties, leased properties and land contracts are not eligible for this grant program);
• A person has electrical service at the home. The electric bill must show the physical address of the residence where the system will be installed, not a post office box;
• The combined income of everyone living in the home qualifies under 55 percent of HUD poverty guidelines.

“Please be sure you give us everything asked for in the grant application,” Wilson said. “For example, the application tells you to include copies of your recorded deed, your last electric bill and the proof of income for everyone living at the home. The proof of income can be a recent check stub, federal income tax statement or Social Security benefits statement.”

To request a grant application, call the PRIDE office at toll free, at 888-577-4339.

Grant applications also are available from local PRIDE coordinators. In Bell County, the PRIDE Coordinators are: John O’Boyle, 606-337-3076; Randy Melton (city of Middlesboro), 606-248-5670; Ina Robbins (city of Pineville), 606-337-2958.

Grant applications can be printed at www.kypride.org.