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USDA Invests Over $3.5 Million in Rural Water and Wastewater Improvements in Alden and Caldwell Kansas

Name
Allen Pickert
Phone
City
Topeka
Release Date

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas Dan Fischer today announced that USDA is investing $3.501 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in the communities of Alden and Caldwell.

“Investing in infrastructure improvements is a priority,” Fischer said. “These loans and grants will help rural communities improve facilities and services that are vital to our rural residents and local services such as schools, libraries, hospitals and health clinics.”

USDA is financing the projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program to help eliminate outdated pipes and service lines to safeguard public health and safety in rural communities. They will help improve rural infrastructure for 1,400 Kansans.

These Kansas investments are part of a national announcement by the USDA which include other projects in 33 other states and Puerto Rico.

The specifics for the Kansas investments are:

  • Alden – A $1,431,000 grant and a $512,000 loan will be used to rehabilitate the wastewater collection system. A lift station will be replaced and pipes, gates, valves and a lagoon will be improved. The current wastewater system consists of vitrified clay tile pipe and is 60 years old. The City received a Rural Development Predevelopment Planning Grant of $22,000 in 2020. Along with these funds the City contributed $8,000 to cover the predevelopment costs associated with this project. Once this project is complete, the City will have a safe and reliable wastewater system for their residents.
  • Caldwell – A $1,558,000 loan will be used to construct a 150,000-gallon elevated storage tank and two, 20,000-gallon above-ground storage tanks. The project will relocate the high service pump station, which allows the city to abandon 2,200 feet of old transmission line. The project will install approximately 650 feet of 8-inch waterline, a new telemetry system and generators for emergency power. Most of the city's mains are assumed to be over 100 years old and need to be replaced. The city currently does not have a backup power supply for their water service. Once the project is complete, the city will have a safe and reliable system to deliver water to their residents.
     
  • Background:
    The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage. The program serves households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
    To learn more about these and other resources for rural areas, contact a USDA Rural Development state office.

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. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

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