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USDA Seeks Applications To Improve Wisconsin Water & Wastewater Systems

Name
Kelly Edwards
City
Stevens Point
Release Date

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Wisconsin State Director, Stan Gruszynski, announced today that USDA is accepting applications for the Water and Waste Disposal Program. The Program provides loan and grant financing to upgrade water and wastewater systems and infrastructure in rural communities.

“These systems are critical to health and safety, and for long term sustainable economic development,” Gruszynski said. “Investments in the water and waste infrastructure also improve water quality and helps protect the environment and natural resources. Clean water creates jobs and is essential to the people and families they serve.”

USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Programs provide financing to support water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water and protect the environment in rural areas. Recipients of the funding may build, repair, and improve public water systems, and waste collection and treatment systems in rural communities with up to 10,000 in population. Eligible applicants include most State and local governmental entities, private non-profits, and federally-recognized Native American Tribes.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by April 1st. to have the best opportunity for funding this fiscal year. However, applications are accepted daily. To apply for FY 2015 funding availability before funds are pooled nationally. Information on how to apply is available at http://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-waste-disposal-loan-grant-program/wi.  Applicants may also call 715.345.7610 to obtain additional information.

Since 2009, USDA Rural Development has invested nearly $376.1 million in new and improved water and wastewater infrastructure and technical assistance that has benefited nearly 169,500 rural residents and 62,800 households and businesses across Wisconsin.

Last year, the City of Edgerton, in received a $7.8 million loan and $2.5 million grant to upgrade its 31-year-old water treatment facility. The city is under a schedule of compliance with the Department of Natural Resources, and the new facility will allow the city to meet newly imposed discharge limits.

In Vernon County, the City of Viroqua is using the financing from two loans totaling $2.6 million and a $490,000 grant to replace water and sewer mains throughout the city.

During the past year, USDA Rural Development invested nearly $558 million throughout rural Wisconsin and helped a record number of residents receive funding for economic development projects and quality of life improvements. The agency’s investment in Wisconsin helped create or retain more than 1,400 jobs; aided 3,400 families in buying their own homes; and assisted more than 100 communities in improving community facilities and upgrading local infrastructure. 

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. For more information on USDA Rural Development programs visit USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/wi.