State Director for Rural Development Edd Hargett today announced that USDA is investing $12.3 million to improve rural water infrastructure in Texas.
“USDA understands that safe and reliable water infrastructure is vital for our rural communities,” Hargett said. “The investments announced today demonstrate our commitment to improving essential water and wastewater services that will enhance the prosperity of rural Texans.”
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 is announcing the following projects in Texas today.
- Military Highway Water Supply Corporation is receiving a $730,000 loan and a $1,905,000 grant to rehabilitate five existing elevated storage tanks. Most of the existing tanks are 30 years old or older and in great need of repair. Once these improvements are completed, the colonia families served by the system will have a safer and more sanitary living environment.
- Sheridan Water Supply Corporation will use a $300,000 loan as additional financing to construct a 50,000-gallon ground storage tank and a well at the Sheridan community area. While the current well will remain operational, the additional well will increase production capacity and provide the community with a second source of water.
- Lake Alan Henry Water District is receiving a $1,130,000 loan and a $1,110,000 grant to help finance the of purchase of South Garza Water Supply's assets to include a water treatment system, water storage tanks, distribution lines and pumps. The project will also include 6 miles of transmission lines to provide water service to Grub's R.V. Park, the Rio Brazos Water System, Reed's R.V. Park, and Lazy J's R.V. Park.
- The city of Ingram will use a $947,000 loan and a $3,746,000 grant to connect 125 residential customers to the existing wastewater collection system. This project is considered Phase III, which will incorporate the northwest part of the service area and one additional lift station into the system.
- The city of Floresville is receiving a $2,465,000 loan to replace the existing Plaza Well, complete an emergency interconnect with Oak Hills Water Supply Corporation, rehabilitate B-Street Well, and rehabilitate the ground storage tank at the Hospital Well site. These improvements will secure adequate and reliable potable water for the residents of Floresville.
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 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.