CHEYENNE, Wyo., March 10, 2022 – The Biden-Harris Administration invested just under $10 million across the state of Wyoming in fiscal year 2021 to improve infrastructure in rural communities. These investments were made through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Community Facilities and Water and Environmental programs.
“Updated infrastructure is a critical component in our thriving rural communities,” Wyoming State Director Glenn Pauley said. “We at Rural Development are equipped with the tools and resources needed to address health and safety concerns that come along with outdated infrastructure.”
In 2015, the town of Lusk experienced a devastating flood and is still in the process of rebuilding vital infrastructure today. Rural Development provided fiscal year 2021 funding to the town to improve its outdated water and wastewater infrastructure. Miles of water and sewer mains will be replaced, and the storm collection system will be improved. Updated infrastructure will ensure clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage and solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage.
The town of Moorcroft also received funding to improve its wastewater infrastructure. It replaced an aging lagoon and necessary equipment used to break down waste. Disinfection equipment was also installed in a new building that is used to monitor lagoon levels. Improvements were needed to stay current with Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) requirements. The community of Moorcroft can now rely on a safe and sanitary system.
“Over time our investments in rural community, water and waste infrastructure are allowing for economic growth and improved quality of life,” Pauley added.
Rural infrastructure is a priority for President Biden and he addressed it in his State of the Union address last week. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide additional funding across the country for projects that will focus on road and bridge maintenance, safe drinking water and modern wastewater systems, among others. A focus has also been placed on expanded access to broadband in rural areas.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, contact the USDA Rural Development state office in Casper.
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.
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