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On Earth Day, USDA Invests $22.6 Million in Rural Water and Biofuel Infrastructure in Texas

Name
Erika Archie
Phone
City
Temple
Release Date

TEMPLE, Tx, April 22, 2021 – Today, in honor of Earth Day 2021, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Justin Maxson announced the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $487 million in critical infrastructure that will help communities in 45 states build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. Acting Texas State Director Daniel Torres announced that six of those projects totaling $22.6 million are located in Texas.  USDA is making the investments under the Water and Environmental Program, the Rural Energy for America Program, the Electric Loan Program and the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program.

“When we invest in accessible and modern climate-smart infrastructure in rural communities, we invest in rebuilding the middle class by creating good-paying jobs,” Maxson said. “The investments we are announcing today demonstrate how the Biden-Harris Administration has put rural communities at the heart of climate action and climate-smart solutions.”

Highlights of today’s announcement include investments in:

Rural Water and Wastewater Infrastructure:

USDA is investing $374 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 31 states. Through its Water and Environmental Programs, USDA funds vital water infrastructure that directly benefits the health, economic vitality and environment of rural America.

Pecos County WCID #1 is receiving a $9,505,000 loan and $7,780,000 grant to establish an additional ground water source to replace the high-radium level wells, and to replace and/or add approximately 30 miles of larger diameter distribution lines to ensure that required pressures are maintained during peak demand. This will enable the addition of 50 new connections to the distribution system.

Callahan County WSC will use a $2,206,000 loan and $1,544,000 grant for water system improvements and to increase storage capacity.  The project includes the installation of approximately 21 miles of waterline, increasing line size, the installation of an elevated storage tank and a ground storage tank, and pump station upgrades. The proposed improvements will reduce capacity issues and improve pressures throughout the system. The project is designed to meet Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements.  The project will also allow for future growth in the area and will serve the city of Clyde, a distressed community. 

The city of Kemp is receiving a $856,000 loan and $539,000 grant to provide additional financing for water system improvements.  The project will include improvements to the water treatment plant, replacing existing pumps and equipment, the rehabilitation of an existing treatment building, and the replacement of existing small-diameter distribution lines.  The improvements allow for the city of Kemp to continue providing quality potable water to the residence and businesses in the community. 

Biofuel Infrastructure:

USDA is investing $18.4 million in 20 states through the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP) to build infrastructure to help expand the availability of higher-blend renewable fuels by approximately 218 million gallons per year. This will give consumers more environmentally friendly fuel choices when they fill-up at the pump.

Trigoals LLC is receiving a $95,000 grant to install 10 dispensers at one fueling station located in Nederland, Texas. This project expects to increase the amount of ethanol sold by 1,296,000 gallons per year.

Segoviakreek Properties will use a $62,500 grant to install five dispensers at one fueling station located in Junction, Texas. This project anticipates an increase in the amount of ethanol sold by 21,600 gallons per year. 

Mines Retail, LLC is receiving a $30,000 grant to install an above ground storage tank at a fleet fueling station facility located in Laredo, Texas.  This project will increase the amount of biodiesel sold by 2,535,088 gallons per year. 

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

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