CANNELTON, Ind., March 4, 2022 – United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development officials, alongside federal and state officials, visited the city of Cannelton today to celebrate the groundbreaking of a wastewater treatment infrastructure project.
“Today’s event shows how important investment in Indiana’s water and wastewater infrastructure is to the health and safety of smaller communities,” said Dr. Terry Goodin, Indiana Rural Development State Director. “As President Biden made it clear in his recent State of the Union address, modernizing infrastructure and ensuring every American, even in the most remote areas, has access to safe drinking water and waste disposal continues to be a big priority.[1]’ That is exactly what USDA is doing by investing in communities like Cannelton, working together to build a better America.”
With a population of nearly 1,570 people, the historical rural sandstone community of Cannelton was established in 1837 and in need of wastewater infrastructure improvements. In 2019, the city received $9.3 million in loan and grant combo funding to help finance the cost of replacing approximately 6,000 feet damaged sewer piping, build a new lift station and construct a new wastewater treatment facility. In November of 2021, the city received additional loan/grant combo funds to help cover unforeseen costs incurred and allowed the city to finally get the project underway.
USDA funding for the project highlighted in today’s ceremony was provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program and will help the city make improvements to its wastewater collection system increasing overall treatment capacity. Projects funded through USDA’s Water & Environmental Programs help rural communities obtain the technical assistance and financing necessary to develop and repair drinking water and waste disposal systems. Safe drinking water and sanitary waste disposal systems are vital not only to public health, but also to the economic vitality of rural America.
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/in. USDA Rural Development is prioritizing projects that will support key priorities under the Biden-Harris Administration to help rural America build back better and stronger. Key priorities include combating the COVID-19 pandemic; addressing the impacts of climate change; and advancing equity in rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/priority-points. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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[1] Remarks of President Joe Biden – State of the Union Address as Prepared for Delivery | The White House | https://www.whitehouse.gov/state-of-the-union-2022/