U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Louisiana State Director Roy Holleman today announced that USDA is investing $8,512,000 for water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades in Henderson. USDA is funding the project through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program.
USDA provides funding opportunities for safe, modern and reliable water systems that are critical for our rural communities,” said Louisiana Rural Development State Director Roy Holleman. “USDA is committed to partnering with rural communities to help them improve their infrastructure, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
Henderson Nina Water System will use the Rural Development investment to modernize a water system in Henderson. The project improvements will include drilling a well, expanding water lines, adding filters and a softener water system to replace obsolete infrastructure to meet safe drinking water standards. A variable frequency motor drive will be added to increase energy efficiency for the existing system. Approximately 781 new customers will be added to the system. The project will also absorb three water systems that have Department of Health and Hospitals violations and provide service to others experiencing problems with their existing water system.
Eligible applicants include rural cities, towns and water districts. The funds can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems in rural communities that meet population limits.
For application or eligibility information, view the interactive RD Apply tool or contact one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices.
In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.
To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs 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 areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.