SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 28, 2024 – USDA Rural Development Utah State Director Michele Weaver today announced that USDA is investing more than $2.4 million in four water and waste infrastructure projects. These investments, funded by Solid Waste Management Grants, and Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grants, will protect and strengthen growing rural communities.
“The Biden Harris Administration understands the immense value of partnering with local experts,” Weaver said. “Today’s investment into infrastructure and technical assistance exhibits the President’s continued commitment of leveraging federal dollars to their maximum potential.”
Solid Waste Training Institute, a national non-profit headquartered in Syracuse, Utah, will use two Solid Waste Management Grants totaling $803,000 to provide small rural entities in Utah, Nevada, and Alaska with technical assistance and training for waste management. Participants will learn how to manage solid waste, increase sustainability, protect the environment, and reduce groundwater contamination.
Mount Pleasant City will use a $1.5 million loan and grant to build a water treatment plant, add transmission piping, and drill an additional well. The new plant will treat the water from Sneak Spring for culinary use and increase the area water supply.
Oakley City will use a $1.1 million grant to support increased costs associated with updating the community’s well water infrastructure. The upgrades will ensure the city will have a sufficient water source and allow economic development and growth.
The investments announced today are included in a national announcement from USDA Secretary Vilsack and White House Domestic Policy Advisor Neera Tanden, as a part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
USDA’s Water and Environmental Programs provide more than just basic needs; they attract new businesses, create jobs, and strengthen communities. USDA’s most recent Rural America at a Glance report, published in November 2023, demonstrates that Federal investments in rural American infrastructure are working.
USDA 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/ut.
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