Environmentally-Focused Investments to Help Rural Montana Communities
Today, in honor of Earth Day 2021, Montana Acting State Director Jake Ceartin announced the United States Department of Agriculture is investing $4.8 million in critical infrastructure that will help Montana rural communities build back better and stronger while prioritizing climate-smart solutions and environmental stewardship. USDA is making the investments in Montana under the Water and Environmental Program.
“Water is a critical resource for every community, and we are thrilled to be working alongside the Worden/Ballantine Yellowstone County Water and Sewer District to assist them in securing a new water source for the Worden and Ballantine communities,” Ceartin stated.
The towns of Worden and Ballantine will repair deteriorating water and wastewater infrastructure through $4.8 million in water and waste disposal loans. This USDA Rural Development loan program provides capital for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
The funding will allow the Worden/Ballantine Yellowstone County Water and Sewer District to construct new groundwater wells, a well house, and a water main crossing to serve approximately 1,400 residents who live and work in these towns.
“Water is a vital part of public health and economic growth,” Ceartin added. “We are proud that USDA Rural Development can come alongside our rural Montana communities and provide the critical resources for infrastructure which is needed to prosper and thrive.”
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 http://www.rd.usda.gov/mt. 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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