United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Indiana Dr. Terry Goodin, alongside state and local officials, today visited the town of Paoli to celebrate the groundbreaking of a new wastewater treatment and collection system.
“Modern drinking water and wastewater disposal infrastructure are an essential aspect to the health and safety of rural communities and also their continued prosperity,” Dr. Goodin said. “Under the leadership of President Biden and Ag Secretary Vilsack, USDA is dedicated to ensuring rural America has access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation practices to build a better America. We are proud to be a part of the improvements that the town of Paoli is celebrating today, and hope it helps to enhance the attractive qualities of living in rural communities.”
The Town of Paoli has been working hard over the past few years to establish a plan that will help bring its wastewater collection system and treatment plant into compliance with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System sanctions. Today, in partnership with more than $15.4 million in funding through USDA’s Water & Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program, that plan is finally in motion. Project funding will help to build a new wastewater treatment plant and make essential upgrades to the collection system that will allow the sanctions to be lifted and allow the town to provide service at a reasonable rate for its 4,400 residents.
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.
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/in. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.