Rural Utilities Service Administrator Brandon McBride today joined USDA Rural Development Texas State Director Paco Valentin and officials from the City of Florence to announce funding from USDA that will be used for improvements to their existing water system. Two of their three wells have been shut down due to a health hazard caused by high levels of methane. Plans are to reduce methane through forced aeration and make the wells operational and safe for consumption.
"Clean, safe water is fundamental to the health and growth of our rural communities," said Rural Housing Administrator Brandon McBride. Since 2009, USDA’s Rural Utilities Service has invested nearly $47 million to improve water systems in rural areas nationwide. Because of our work, over 2.3 million rural residents have access to new and improved water and waste systems. Here in Texas, RUS has provided nearly $590 million in water and wastewater infrastructure to protect the health and safety of rural residents and the environment in over 500 communities."
"USDA Rural Development offers programs, such as the Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant, that may reduce the impact unexpected disruptions of water services have on families, businesses and producers in rural Texas communities," said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development Texas State Director.
President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his 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, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. For information on this and other USDA Rural Development programs in Texas, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/tx.