The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director Douglas Wilson today announced that the USDA is investing in over $18.1 million in loans and grants available through the Water and Environmental Loan and Grant Program.
“USDA Rural Development partners with communities and service providers to improve water and environmental systems across the state. In doing so, we ensure that rural residents will have affordable, safe and sanitary systems to take care of their needs,” Wilson said.
Eligible applicants include rural cities, towns, and water districts. The City of Vandalia’s investment will be used to construct a new water treatment plant to replace the older facility they have been using. These improvements will include upgrades to water intakes and pumps, 10,000 feet of water line, and assist in alleviating the health and sanitary concerns they have had in the past. The project will serve approximately 4,512 residents located within the service area of Fayette 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.
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