The USDA’s Deputy Under Secretary DJ LaVoy announced Monday that the USDA is investing $144 million across 25 states to improve rural water infrastructure.
“Modern and reliable water and wastewater infrastructure systems are foundational to economic growth and quality of life in rural communities,” LaVoy said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to investing in this critical infrastructure, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”You can read the full report here.
The grant is part of the Water and Waste Disposal Loan Grant. Overall, this grant will fund 45 projects.
Eligible applicants include rural cities and towns, and water districts. They can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents, according to a release.
Here are some examples the USDA release highlighted:
Below are examples of projects announced today:
- The town of Winfield, W.Va., is receiving an $8.8 million loan to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant. The town will build a new headworks structure; improve mechanical systems; and improve grading, piping, storm drainage, sidewalks and fencing. This investment will benefit 1,055 residential users and 64 businesses.
- Tuscarawas County, Ohio, is receiving a $2.2 million loan and a $1.4 million grant to modernize the Wilkshire Hills water treatment facility, first constructed in the late 1970s. A third supply well will be added, and new pressure filtration equipment and master meters will be installed. These improvements will support current operations and accommodate future growth, including a planned expansion into the neighboring village of Bolivar.
- Maine’s Paris Utility District is receiving a $189,000 loan to repair sewer lines along the Billings Bridge in South Paris. Replacing the 46-year-old, 12-inch lines will provide more reliable wastewater service to the system’s 1,216 users.
The full list of states invested includes Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.
The USDA also plans on making additional funding announcement in the coming weeks.
You can use the RD Apply tool or contact one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices for application or eligibility information.
