Water Operator Training Funds Available! Don’t Miss Out!

The Operator Certification Program, in cooperation with EPA, has funds available to reimburse water operators for costs associated with continuing education. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to receive reimbursement for training!

Program duration: July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009

Links/Forms:

Eligible water systems
Approved course list for certified operators
Approved course list for non-certified operators
Pre-approval form
Reimbursement form
Taxpayer ID# form
Course Approval Request form

Where are these funds coming from?

EPA, through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), has provided grants to states to reimburse the costs of training water operators of community or non-transient non-community water systems serving 3,300 persons or fewer. Community or non-transient non-community water systems are known as Class A public water systems in Alaska. Click here to view the list of eligible water systems.

Who is eligible for reimbursement?

• Certified water operators of eligible water systems: Verification of employment as a water operator at an eligible water system is required. Click here to view the list of eligible water systems.

• Non-certified water operators of eligible water systems: Verification of employment as a water operator at an eligible water system is required. Click here to view the list of eligible water systems. Reimbursement is only available for courses that make the operator eligible to take the certification exam. 

What training courses are eligible?

• Certified Operators: Courses must be core drinking water courses. The Operator Certification Program maintains a list of approved courses that are eligible for reimbursement. Click here to view the approved course list for certified operator. Courses must be completed between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009 in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

• Non-certified Operators: Courses must make an operator eligible for a water certification exam. The Operator Certification Program maintains a list of approved courses for non-certified operators. Click here to view the approved course list for non-certified operators. Courses must be completed between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009 in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

What costs are eligible for reimbursement?

Course fees, commercial travel costs (airfare, ferry) to and from courses, and hotel costs while attending courses are eligible for reimbursement. Course fees for out-of-state courses are reimbursable. Travel costs associated with out-of-state courses are not reimbursable.

What are some examples of costs not eligible for reimbursement?

Application fees, exam fees, renewal fees, reciprocity review fees, out-of-state travel costs, car rental, taxi fare, personal vehicle use, gas, and parking fees are not reimbursable.

How much money is available?

Each eligible operator will be credited with $1,500 upon approval. Once approved, operators may seek reimbursement for training costs up to $1,500. If an operator doesn’t use the entire $1,500 at one training event, the remainder will be available for additional training.

What if the system I operate is not on the list of eligible water systems?

If you operate an Alaska Class A water system that is not on the list of eligible water systems, contact the Operator Certification Program at (907) 465-5140 or (907) 465-5136. Our records may show that your system serves more than 3,300 people. Your water system isn’t eligible if that’s the case. Also, water systems occasionally change in classification, which affects eligibility. The Operator Certification Program will be able to assist in either case.

What if the course I want to take is not on the approved course list?

Operators can seek approval of a course that is not on the approved course list. Click here to view the form for requesting approval of a course. If the Operator Certification Program approves the course, it will be added to the list of approved courses. Check the list of approved courses often as courses will be added as additional approvals take place.

How do I proceed?

• Operators who will ask that reimbursement be sent directly to them:

Follow these steps to get started with the reimbursement program:

1. Complete and submit the Pre-Approval form. If approved, you will be notified and your training account will be credited with $1,500.
   
   
2. Complete an approved course. Be sure to keep all course and travel receipts (if travel is required).
   
   
3. Complete the Reimbursement form and Taxpayer ID# form. The Reimbursement form will ask you to list the approved course you attended and travel costs. The Taxpayer ID# form is required by the State of Alaska in order to issue you a reimbursement check and requires that you provide a social security number. Reimbursement for training is not taxable income. Submit forms, course and travel receipts, and a certificate of completion to the Operator Certification Program.
   
   
4. If all paperwork is complete, you will receive a reimbursement check from the State of Alaska. The amount of your reimbursement check will be subtracted from your training account. The remaining amount, if any, will be available for additional training.

• Cities/Utilities that will seek reimbursement on behalf of their operators:

Agreements can be established to reimburse cities/utilities for training costs incurred by their operators.  City/Utility officials should contact the Operator Certification Program for assistance.  Agreements can only be established with governmental agencies (cities, villages, school districts, and health corporations.)  Reimbursement to private companies is not an option.

Follow these steps to get started with the reimbursement program:

1. Complete the City/Utility Agreement form. The City/Utility Agreement form will ask you for the name of the City/Utility as well as the name of operators that have been approved by ADEC.
   
   
2. Print and sign three copies of the document and mail the completed forms to the address provided below.

What are the deadlines?

All Reimbursement Forms, Taxpayer ID forms, course completion certificates, and receipts must be submitted (postmarked) by June 30, 2009. Requests for reimbursement postmarked after June 30, 2009 will not be honored. Courses must be completed between July 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009 in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

How can I contact the Operator Certification Program?

We can be reached at :