USDA Rural Development West Virginia State Director joined with local officials, representatives of the Cowen Public Service District and residents today in Cowen to participate in a dedication ceremony for the Upper Glade Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project. The Cowen Public Service District is the recipient of loan and grant funds from USDA Rural Development totaling $6,330,000 to support the recent upgrades to the plant.
The Cowen Public Service District is a public water and sewer utility that serves the Town of Cowen and surrounding areas in Webster County. The District currently owns and operates a sanitary sewer collection and treatment system that serves approximately 588 customers. Prior to completion of this project in 2014, the District had difficulty meeting the permit limits for its treatment plant due to issues with excessive inflow to the system and low oxygen levels.
This project has corrected these deficiencies by adding a new sequential batch reactor treatment system which replaced the old oxidation ditch system. The old chlorine disinfection system was also replaced with a new ultraviolet system. This much needed upgrade will produce a significant reduction in pollution and allow the District to consistently meet its permit requirements.
On behalf of USDA Rural Development, West Virginia State Director Bobby Lewis said, “Our agency is once again pleased to be a part of a project that will assist the residents of Webster County. Sufficient infrastructure is critical to the economic vitality of our rural communities.” Lewis went on to say, “Today we’re dedicating this newly upgraded plant and also celebrating the commitment and dedication of everyone associated with the Cowen Public Service District and the local community.”
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
Rural Development serves as the lead Federal entity for rural development needs and administers program assistance through its housing, business, community and infrastructure programs. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Further information on USDA Rural Development may be obtained by visiting USDA’s web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov. In West Virginia, call 1-800-295-8228 to be put in touch with the appropriate personnel serving your county. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at 202.720.2600 (voice and TDD).