WOLCOTT, Ind. – May 26, 2021 – U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA Indiana Rural Development representatives joined Town of Wolcott, White County Economic Development Corp, Commonwealth Engineers and the Indiana Bond Bank at a groundbreaking today to celebrate the start of construction on the upgrade of their wastewater treatment plant.
“This project is a great example of federal, state and local funding sources coming together to expand the economic opportunities for this community,” Acting State Director Curtis Johnson said. “USDA is committed to ensuring that rural Americans have access to modern, reliable and affordable water and wastewater infrastructure.”
In White County, Ind., the Town of Wolcott will use $1.7 million in direct, low-interest loans to construct a new wastewater treatment plant. This plant will replace the current treatment plant that was constructed in 1977. The new plant will more than triple the capacity of the current plant. With this increased capacity, Wolcott will have a modern and more efficient treatment plant to accommodate the current and future needs of its 1,001 citizens plus be able to offer service for the future development of the Mid-American Commerce Park located west of the town. Several companies have expressed interest in building in the park once this project is finished. The water supply to the park will be from another small town close to the site.
The Indiana Bond Bank will provide interim financing during construction. The funding for the residential portion of the project will come from USDA. The funding for the expansion and service to the industrial park will come from $2.8 million in county funds provided by the White County Commissioners and from $4.5 million in grant funds through the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
USDA is funding this project through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
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.
Information on programs available through USDA Rural Development is available by visiting www.rd.usda.gov/in or calling 317-290-3100. If you’d like to subscribe to Ohio USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.
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