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Rural Development Federal and Local Officials Celebrate Earth Day in Diller

Name
Vicki Schurman
City
Diller
Release Date

 

USDA Rural Development Nebraska State Director Maxine Moul and staff today joined federal, local leaders and the students at the Diller-Odell Elementary School as they celebrated Earth Day 2016. Rural Development highlighted a joint $1.8 million investment in water projects for Endicott and Steele City.

“It is a real honor to be here today to announce USDA Rural Development’s funding commitment for water projects that will serve nearly 200 residents, and enhance the communities’ infrastructure,” Moul said. “The theme for Earth Day 2016 is ‘Our Land. Our Water. Our Future: Let’s Preserve Them.’  This project will positively impact the lives of the Endicott and Steele City residents for years to come.”

During her visit, Moul presented both the Village of Endicott Chairperson Christine Zabokrtsky and Village of Steele City Chairperson Tammy Katz with plaques acknowledging the funding for their new water projects.

Students from the Diller-Odell Elementary School received special recognition for their Earth Day coloring and writing contest.  Winners for the coloring contest were:  Preschool-Hunter Maly; Kindergarten-Ryleigh Vilda; first grade-Langdon Sunneberg; second grade-Erin Gegg; third grade-Joely Weers with Erin Gegg being the overall winner.  Winners for writing contest were: fourth grade-Lilly Swanson; fifth grade-Abby Vater; sixth grade-Madelyn Meyerle.  The overall winner was Abby Vater.

"I would like to thank USDA Rural Development for putting on such a great program for the students at Diller-Odell Elementary School.  The Earth Day celebration was a wonderful opportunity for students to hear about the different types of projects that are occurring in rural Nebraska,” said Principal Dr.Chris Prososki, Diller-Odell Elementary School.

The Village of Endicott’s water system was installed in 1967. Over the years the system has had deterioration and failures in the filters in the treatment.  The Village will utilize USDA funds to improve the water distribution system and to replace valves, corroded piping and selected components to include the bypass piping and valves.  A dehumidifier for moisture control will be in the treatment building.  The detention tank and aerators will be replaced and new water treatment vessels and media added.  New water meters will also be installed. A pump house will be included in this project to be able to supply water to the Village of Steele City.

USDA Rural Development funded the project with a $302,000 direct loan for 40 years at 1.75% and a grant in the amount of $464,000.  Steele City will also contribute to this project in the amount of $78,690.  The total project costs are $844,690.
 
“The Village of Endicott is glad to have the opportunity to help Steele City with the water issues they are having,” said Zabokrtsky.
 
The Village of Steele City’s water has been high in nitrates for many years due to droughts in the area.  The current system has many issues which include tree roots growing through the lines.  Also, the Village lacks water meters.  Rural Development funds will be used to connect the Village of Steele City to the Village of Endicott’s Water System.  The funds will be used to construct a booster station in Endicott and line that will run to the Village of Steele City.

USDA Rural Development funding of $905,000 will also allow the Village of Steele City to install water meters.  Rural Development approved a loan of $185,000, a grant of $220,000 and an ECWAG grant of $500,000.  It will be for 40 years at 1.875 percent interest.

For additional information visit www.rd.usda.gov/ne to learn more about programs offered by Rural Development.  To view a list of Nebraska contact information, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/contact-us/state-offices/ne.

President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.  USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values.