Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $307 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 34 states and Puerto Rico.
The investments being announced today follow President Biden’s announcement last week of a Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework that will make the largest investment in clean drinking water in American history. The Framework will replace all of the nation’s lead pipes and service lines, helping address barriers faced by communities of color, Tribal communities, and people who live in rural America.
“Every community needs safe, reliable and modern water and wastewater systems,” Secretary Vilsack said. “The consequences of decades of disinvestment in physical infrastructure have fallen most heavily on communities of color. This is why USDA is investing in water infrastructure in rural and Tribal communities that need it most – to help them build back better, stronger and more equitably than ever before.”
USDA is financing the projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. The investments will help eliminate outdated pipes and service lines to safeguard public health and safety in rural communities. They will improve rural infrastructure for 250,000 residents and businesses.
USDA is announcing investments today in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Puerto Rico.
For example, as part of today’s announcement in Illinois:
- Northeast Marion County Water Company is receiving a $1,204,600 loan to construct nine miles of four-inch water main to serve 24 new households. All proposed water mains will be Class 160 PVC pipe or greater. Appurtenances will include flushing hydrants and gate valves. The project also includes the replacement of all water meters to be installed at the individual user's property. This project will alleviate water supply and water quality issues associated with wells and cisterns and eliminate the need to haul water.
- The Village of Hopewell is receiving a $1,702,000 loan to make water system improvements. The village will construct a new deep well with a pump and a 50,000-gallon elevated water storage tank. Improvements will also be made to their treatment system.
- Harvel Drainage District No. 2 is receiving an $2,300,000 loan to improve the drainage tile system for Harvel Drainage District No. 2, which serves 243 residents in Montgomery County, Ill. The project consists of installation of 8-inch, 10-inch, 12-inch, 15-inch, 18-inch, 24-inch, and 30-inch drain tile pipe along with associated miscellaneous appurtenances. This project will meet current Illinois EPA regulations and bring the facility back to acceptable standards.
- The Millstone Water District is receiving a $1,255,000 loan to construct the Gilead Church Road Booster Pump Station with standby generator and water main; Homberg Tank Painting; and new well with raw water main. The booster pump station will provide constant pressure on the discharge side of the station. The standby generator at the station will serve as a backup if primary power is lost. The tank paint will improve the structural integrity of the tank. The new well will enhance the water output.
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 households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
To learn more about these and other resources for rural areas, contact a USDA Rural Development state office.
Under the Biden-Harris Administration, 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. If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.
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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.