Water Infrastructure Projects to Address Barriers Communities of Color Face Accessing Public Health in Rural America
OHKAY OWINGEH , N.M., July 7, 2021 – Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $307 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 34 states and Puerto Rico. The investments being announced today follow President Biden’s announcement last week of a Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that will make the largest investment in clean drinking water in American history. The Framework will replace all of the nation’s lead pipes and service lines, helping address barriers faced by communities of color, Tribal communities, and people who live in rural America.
“Every community needs safe, reliable and modern water and wastewater systems,” Secretary Vilsack said. “The consequences of decades of disinvestment in physical infrastructure have fallen most heavily on communities of color. This is why USDA is investing in water infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities that need it most – to help them build back better, stronger and more equitably than ever before.”
USDA is financing the projects in 34 states through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to help eliminate outdated pipes and service lines to safeguard public health and safety in rural communities. This funding will help improve rural infrastructure for 250,000 residents and businesses (including three projects in Washington State, benefiting 1,779 rural residents). For example:
- The Scatchet Head Water District is receiving a $2.5 million loan to upgrade their water system in Clinton, Whidbey Island by replacing their water mains, well pumps and emergency storage tank and other improvements. The system was first constructed in 1958. Updating the system will improve water quality and efficiency for the 863 users.
- Hunters Water District is receiving a $18,000 loan and a $152,000 grant to replace a water reservoir and approximately 1,500 linear feet of old, asbestos water mains that were installed in the late 1940s, addressing chronic pressure issues and controls. The project will reduce system leakage, increase pressure, and supports a more efficient and reliable drinking water system for this unincorporated community of 795 people in rural Stevens County.
- The Town of Naches is receiving a $2.3 million loan and a $1.9 million grant to improve their wastewater treatment plant. These improvements will provide more efficient operations, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance effluent quality, benefitting the 795 residents of the town.
The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage. The program serves households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
To learn more about these and other resources for rural areas, contact USDA Rural Development’s Washington State Office by calling (360) 704-7738 or visit their website https://www.rd.usda.gov/wa.