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City of Viroqua Celebrates Earth Day with USDA

Name
Kelly Edwards
City
Viroqua
Release Date

In observance of Earth Day 2016, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded the City of Viroqua funding to upgrade and improve the City’s wastewater treatment facility. In addition, USDA Rural Development has selected the City of Viroqua as a 2016 National Earth Day Project Community.

USDA Rural Development joined city leaders and other officials to formally announce that the agency has awarded the City of Viroqua more than $7 million in a federal grant and loan combination to upgrade and rehabilitate the current wastewater treatment facility.

The announcement included an award presentation by USDA Rural Development State Director Stan Gruszynski to Mayor Larry Fanta. The Award recognizes the City’s initiative and leadership toward improving the services for area residents and preventing contamination to the Mississippi watershed. 

 “The purpose of Earth Day is to raise awareness of our responsible for protecting and preserving the natural environment and in particular those resources critical to the sustenance of life on this planet,” said Gruszynski. “Today’s celebration acknowledges the initiative and leadership of the City of Viroqua for ensuring a safer, healthier, and sustainable future for people living in this area while improving protections for the Mississippi watershed,” he noted.

“Not to mention, these sorts of investments create jobs, expand business opportunities, inspire a greater sense of community, and are both practical and sensible! USDA Rural Development is proud to partner with the citizens of Viroqua, and on behalf of President Obama and Secretary Vilsack, I commend your initiative and leadership.” Gruszynski concluded. 

Through this project, the City of Viroqua will improve and upgrade the existing wastewater treatment plant. The project will provide for the rehabilitation of processes and other modifications to improve operations; including a new pump station and forcemain for discharge. The project also includes replacement of sanitary sewer lines along Rusk Avenue.  Upon completion of the upgrades, the City will be better able to meet the more stringent Phosphorus removal and discharge requirements. In addition, the Mississippi River watershed will be guarded from contaminants entering the system, groundwater will be protected from leakage, and the environment will be cleaner for the residents of Viroqua and the surrounding area.

Additional funds for the $10.1 million project include a $2,509,460 Clean Water Fund loan and $650,000 in Clean Water Fund Principal Forgiveness from WI DNR.

USDA Rural Development approved a $4.996 million loan and a $2,024,270 grant toward the project through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Programs.

The Water and Environmental Program provides loans and grants to ensure that necessary investments are made in water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas.

Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 to raise awareness about the role citizens, businesses and communities can play in protecting the environment.  Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, the event has expanded to include participation by citizens and governments in more than in 175 countries.

In all, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is helping to fund 60 water and wastewater projects in 33 states across the nation, totaling more than $183 million, in observance of Earth Day.

During the past year, USDA Rural Development invested nearly $577 million throughout rural Wisconsin and helped a record number of residents receive funding for economic development projects and quality of life improvements. The agency’s investment in Wisconsin helped create or retain more than 1,560 jobs; aided 3,000 families in buying their own homes; and assisted more than 80 communities in improving community facilities and upgrading local infrastructure. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs visit USDA’s web site at www.rd.usda.gov/wi.