LINCOLN, Nebr., Oct. 14, 2021 – Untied States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Acting State Director for Nebraska Kim Martini today announced nearly $1.1 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure for 1,200 people living in rural Nebraska.
“Safe drinking water and wastewater disposal is essential to the prosperity of any community,” Martini said. “Projects like the ones being highlighted today are great examples of how rural communities and townships can affordably make these important improvements, while also opening the door for future opportunities within the community such as attracting new businesses and homeowners.”
USDA is financing two projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. These investments will help improve rural infrastructure for 1,200 people and businesses.
Background:
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 people and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
For example, as part of today’s announcement:
- The city of Fairmont is receiving a $142,000 loan and a $115,000 grant to expand a lagoon to accommodate a total water surface of 30 acres and bring the system into compliance with the State of Nebraska’s Department of Environment and Energy.
- Beaver City is receiving a $432,000 loan and a $381,000 grant to make water system improvements by installing two wells, updating the distribution process, and replacing inoperable valves, fire hydrants, and meters. These improvements will help to provide a safe water source and promote water conservation practices.
Today’s investments are in coordination with Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack’s recent announcement that the USDA is investing $272 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure for 270,000 people living in rural communities across 37 states: Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Wyoming and Puerto Rico.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, contact a USDA Rural Development office.
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/ne. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
#