U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Kentucky State Director Hilda Legg today announced the USDA is investing over $8.39 million in three water and wastewater projects across rural Kentucky.
“Water and wastewater projects may not be the most glamorous,” said Legg, “but they are obviously critical to quality of life and economic development in rural communities. Rural residents need jobs, and rural communities need a strong economic base. We at Rural Development stand ready to partner to make good things happen in rural Kentucky.”
Logan-Todd Regional Water Commission
This $4.3 million dollar investment comprises two projects. A $3 million loan will be used to increase the capacity of the water treatment plant and upgrade components to meet the expected increased demand from the Novelis automotive aluminum sheet manufacturing facility in Springfield, Tennessee, and a $1.3 million loan will be used to construct approximately two miles of waterline to upgrade and replace older lines along Kentucky Highway 181. Logan-Todd Regional Water Commission provides water for approximately 14,000 customers in its regional capacity serving 13 communities and utilities.
City of Springfield
This $4.093 million Rural Development investment ($3.21 million loan/$883,000 grant) will be used to complete the expansion of the existing wastewater treatment plant capacity to 1.3 million gallons per day, replace outdated processes and equipment and repurpose some existing structures. These improvements will provide a safe and sanitary means of waste disposal for existing customers in Washington County.
The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas.
In fiscal year 2019, Rural Development invested over $53.375 million in water and waste disposal projects across the Commonwealth of Kentucky to help communities not only improve the basic quality of life but assist in the development and sustainability of rural America.
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. 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.