Trump Administration Invests in Maine’s Rural Communities
USDA Rural Development is investing $5.73 million in wastewater and water system upgrades through the Trump Administration. The City of Gardiner, and Livermore Falls Water District have been selected to receive funding.
USDA Rural Development State Director Timothy P. Hobbs said, “Improving rural infrastructure is a key component of building rural communities that are strong and thriving. These investments provided by the Trump Administration will ensure that the users of these two systems have reliable and properly working water and wastewater infrastructure.”
In Maine, two systems will receive a total of $5,732,000 for upgrades:
- City of Gardiner will receive a total of $3,532,000 (Water and Waste Disposal Loan of $3,032,000 and Grant of $500,000). This Rural Development investment will be used to upgrade their Wastewater Treatment Facility and Maine Ave Pump Station. The work is necessary due to aging equipment. In 2019, the City had five instances where individual air driven Rotating Biological Contactor units stopped rotating. The City was able to fix the malfunctions and keep the treatment process operational. The proposed project will resolve these age-related failures.
- Livermore Falls Water District will receive $2,200,000 through a Water and Waste Disposal Direct Loan. This Rural Development investment will be used to provide funding assistance to replace the outdated water mains along Water Street and Foundry Street to improve fire flows and water quality in Livermore Falls. There is a critical need to upgrade the 90-100+ year old aging infrastructure that has reached the end of its useful life. This project is being completed in coordination with the Maine Department of Transportation roadway improvement project. Replacement of the unlined cast iron water main with a new water main will provide higher quality water to the customers along the project route.
Interested entities should contact Robert Nadeau, Community Programs Director at (207) 990-9121 or robert.nadeau@usda.gov for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. Also visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program/me to learn more about the program.
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/me.
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