Differences in How States Organize Their Intended Use Plans (IUPs) and Project Lists

By: Lauren Kwan and Danielle Goshen

Intended Use Plans (IUPs) are formal policy documents that explain how states manage and allocate funds from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). Designated by state fiscal year, each IUP covers federal capitalization grants, state matching funds, principal repayments, interest earnings, leveraged funds, and carryover funds.

Drawing on EPIC’s Funding Tracker analysis, this Explainer highlights nine key lessons about how states structure and publish their IUPs and project lists—from differences in the number of IUPs issued and naming conventions used, to how comprehensive and fundable lists are defined, organized, archived, and shared. It also examines how timing, transparency, and machine readability can affect project prioritization and accessibility.

Many improvements we have identified can be implemented at relatively low cost. Strengthening IUP organization and publication practices can enhance transparency, reduce analytical barriers, and support more evidence-based policymaking—helping ensure DWSRF dollars reach the communities that need them most.