RICHMOND, Va., Aug. 28, 2023 – Three Virginia communities are included in today’s announcement of $808 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funding to provide essential community services, build/improve electric infrastructure, increase electric grid reliability and security, and deliver clean drinking water and sanitary waste systems in rural areas.
Funds were awarded through the Community Facilities Program and Water and Waste Disposal and Direct Loan and Grant Program for the following state projects:
- Community Center Construction. The town of Goshen will use the $255,000 grant to purchase a 1.32-acre parcel and fund construction of a new multi-purpose facility for residents who must now travel great distances to obtain essential services. The town will work through partner agencies to offer medical, dental and mental health care; a substance abuse clinic; senior meal delivery and a food pantry with weekly distributions; and exercise and health education classes.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. This $4.7 million loan will help the town of Mount Jackson fund wastewater treatment plant improvements to address existing health hazards and associated environmental impacts from nitrification inhibition. Nitrification is important in wastewater treatment because it removes ammonia, which is toxic to humans and many fish. The scope of work includes installation of a new one-million-gallon equalization tank with mixer and supplemental aeration system, influent mechanical screen, 18-inch ductile iron pipe and related appurtenances to collect influent and distribute effluent.
- Water System Upgrades. The Wise County Public Service Authority will use $4.8 million in loan and grant funding to alleviate community health hazards associated with low water pressure. The current equipment cannot accommodate the Code of Virginia’s minimum working pressure of 20 Pounds Per Square Inch (PSI). Planned improvements include, but are not limited to, the replacement of approximately 29,120 linear feet of water line; installation of 12 gate valves; 10 fire hydrant assemblies; and associated water appurtenances.
“These projects will directly benefit more than 2,600 people in the Shenandoah Valley and Southwest Virginia by making each community a more attractive, economically viable and safe place to live and work,” said Perry Hickman, USDA Rural Development Virginia State Director. “Every investment will contribute to a brighter future for local residents, improving quality of life and helping to attract and retain employers and workers.”
The 139 investments announced today will also benefit people living in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and the Marshall Islands.
Other state projects will be financed through the Electric Loan Program, Water and Waste Disposal Loan Guarantees Program, Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants to Alleviate Health Risks for Colonias Program, Solid Waste Management Grants Program, Business and Industry Loan Guarantee Program and Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program.
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.
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