Montana State Director for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Charles Robison today announced that USDA is investing $688,000 in loans and nearly $1.3 million in grants to improve rural water infrastructure in Broadview and Simms.
“The water infrastructure improvements made in Broadview and Simms will improve quality of life for the community and contribute to rural prosperity,” Robison said. “The Trump Administration is committed to investing resources in rural communities. When rural Montana thrives, all of Montana thrives.”
The town of Broadview has been approved for a $588,000 loan and $916,000 grant to improve drinking water distribution. The project will replace the town's original main pipe system installed in 1916 and the water storage tank, providing ample clean water to the community.
The town of Simms is receiving a $100,000 loan and $374,000 grant to fund the second phase of the town’s sewer renovation project. The project will update the original system constructed in 1979, providing essential system maintenance, prevent leaking, and improve system efficiency.
USDA is providing the funding through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Eligible applicants include rural cities, towns and water districts. The funds can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.
USDA awarded nearly $1.8 billion for Water and Environmental Program loans and grants during fiscal year 2019. View the interactive RD Apply tool or contact Montana 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/mt.