USDA Invests in Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in 24 States

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service Administrator Chad Rupe today announced that USDA is investing $135 million in 49 projects to improve rural water infrastructure in 24 states (PDF, 170 KB).

“Modernizing water infrastructure will yield key health benefits and help spur economic growth – making rural places even more attractive to live and work”, said Rupe.

USDA is making the investments through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Rural cities and towns, water districts and other eligible entities can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.

Below are examples of projects announced today that show how USDA is partnering to improve rural water and wastewater infrastructure.

• The city of Portsmouth, Iowa, will use a $300,000 loan to replace a water tower and part of the city’s distribution system. The updates will eliminate water losses and will improve water pressure throughout the community. They also will provide a reliable, affordable water system for Portsmouth’s residents and businesses.
• The Charlotte Harbor Water Association in Punta Gorda, Fla., will use a $7.1 million loan and a $5.4 million grant to replace approximately 86,000 linear feet of water mains along with appropriate valves, fittings, fire hydrants, and other equipment.
• Northport, Wash., is receiving a $115,000 loan and a $345,000 grant to improve its water filtration system. The improvements will lower the levels of manganese and nitrates in drinking water.

USDA is announcing investments today in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, and West Virginia.

USDA had $2.9 billion available for USDA Water and Environmental Program loans and grants at the beginning of the fiscal year 2019. USDA will make additional funding announcements in coming weeks.

The complete news and related links to be found on USDA.gov

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Taxonomy

• Rural Water Supply & Sanitation
• Water Supply
• Rural Area Water Supply
• Infrastructure