USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Karl Elmshaeuser today announced that $1.3 million will bring water improvements to Rural Water District No. 2 Richardson County.
“Water infrastructure is important to rural communities both in quantity and quality,” said Elmshaeuser. “USDA is assisting Rural Water District No. 2 Richardson County with an expansion that will serve residents now and into the future.”
The Rural Water District No. 2 in Richardson County, Neb. received funding of $1,327,000 to expand the existing water infrastructure. Seventy-two new users will be hooked up to the Rural Water District’s existing system serving southeast Richardson County. Currently these users experience water quantity shortage and high nitrates. The Rural Water District purchases water from Falls City. The distribution system pipeline will be expanded using two-inch and three-inch PVC piping, branching off the new six-inch line that will be constructed from Falls City to Indian Cave State Park. The new infrastructure will meet applicable health standards.
For more information on the Water and Environmental Program Loan and Grant Program contact your local Nebraska Water and Environmental Program Specialist.
Elmshaeuser’s announcement is in coordination with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary of Rural Development Donald “DJ” LaVoy’s announcement of USDA investing $144 million to improve rural water infrastructure in 25 states.
“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.”
USDA is investing in 45 projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. 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.
View the interactive RD Apply tool or contact one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices for application or eligibility information.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.
To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.