The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Friday a grant and loan combination of $3,845,275 to improve the Lower Bartlett Water Precinct water system. A $1,725,275 grant and a $2,120,000 loan from USDA Rural Development will fund water main replacement and booster pump station improvements to better serve the 150 users in the Linderhof and Christmas Mountain service area of the Precinct.
"USDA Rural Development provides grants and loans to ensure rural water systems are working reliably and efficiently," said USDA Rural Development New Hampshire and Vermont State Director Ted Brady. "This project will replace lines and other system components that date back to the 1970’s and do not meet today’s standards. When completed, this project will bring service to these areas in line with other areas served by the precinct."
The water precinct currently uses three separate pump stations to deliver clean water to Linderhof and Christmas Mountain through small diameter mains susceptible to breaks and leaks. This project will replace one existing pump station with a brand new, energy efficient station allowing the Precinct to completely eliminate one of the old stations. The project will also replace 16,700 feet of water lines with larger diameter lines that will also provide ample fire protection capacity. The improvements are scheduled to begin during the 2015 construction season.
Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested nearly $109.7 million in new and improved water and wastewater infrastructure in New Hampshire. This funding has benefitted over 85,000 New Hampshire residents and created over 6,600 rural jobs.
USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program (WEP) provides loans, grants and loan guarantees for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste and storm drainage facilities run by rural area municipalities, non-profit organizations and recognized Indian tribes. The program also makes grants to nonprofit organizations to provide technical assistance and training to assist rural communities with their water, wastewater and solid waste problems.
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 RD mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $206.2 billion in loans and loan guarantees. 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 areas. For more information on Rural Development visit the Vermont/New Hampshire Rural Development website (www.rurdev.usda.gov/nh-vtHome.html) or contact USDA RD at (802) 828-6000.