Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley yesterday announced that USDA is investing in 40 projects in 20 states to improve rural water infrastructure.
“These investments will have a far-reaching, positive impact on rural residents, businesses and communities,” Baxley said. “Improving water and wastewater infrastructure enhances quality of life, helps support economic development and ensures that rural areas have safe and abundant water supplies.”
USDA is investing $82 million through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. Rural communities, water districts and other eligible entities can use the funds for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems. The projects must be 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.
USDA is announcing investments today in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia.
In West Virginia, the Washington Pike Public Service District in Brooke County is receiving a $2,225,000 loan to provide for the replacement of existing infrastructure including replacement of distribution line, new pump stations, and new meters with radio read units and software for the District’s nearly 1,400 customers. A connection will also be made to provide a back-up water source since the Public Service District previously had no emergency water supply. The Public Service District will also be constructing a new administrative office and maintenance garage.
Speaking of the project, USDA Rural Development West Virginia State Director Kris Warner said, “We are pleased to assist the Washington Pike Public Service District through the Water and Environmental Loan program.” He went on to add, “Access to a safe and clean supply of drinking water is essential for everyone. This project will support long-term economic viability and a strong quality of life for residents of Brooke County.”
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.