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Rural Ohio Communities benefit from millions in USDA funding for Water, Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements

Name
Heather Hartley
Email
heather.hartley@oh.usda.gov
Phone
(614) 255-2394
City
Columbus
Release Date

Water and wastewater treatment construction projects in Gallia and Preble Counties are among more than 80 nationwide receiving millions of dollars in direct loan, loan guarantee, or grant funds to help improve rural infrastructure in 35 states.

   “Access to safe, clean drinking water and sanitary sewer systems is the bedrock of rural infrastructure,” said Ohio Rural Development State Director David L. Hall. “During the last fiscal year alone, we funded 30 such projects in Ohio. Our specialists are working hard to help rural communities here modernize even more water and wastewater treatment systems this year.”

   Among the projects announced earlier this week by Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Anne Hazlett are:

  1. A $3.76 million combination loan and grant which will be used to build a new wastewater collection system serving portions of Green and Springfield Townships in Gallia County.
  2. A $1 million direct loan, combined with a proposed 90 percent guarantee on an additional $881,500 loan, to Gallia County Rural Water Association, which will be used to fund the construction of three new water storage tanks.
  3. A $3.87 million direct loan to the Village of West Alexandria in Preble County, which will help offset the cost of modernizing a half-century old wastewater treatment plant that serves more than 1,350 village residents.  

   The recently enacted Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Omnibus spending bill includes a significant boost in financial support for water and wastewater projects. It provides $5.2 billion for USDA loans and grants, up from $1.2 billion in FY 2017. It also directs Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to make investments in rural communities with the greatest infrastructure needs.

  USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program funds can be used to finance drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents. Most state and local governmental entities, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes are eligible to apply. Call 614-255-2391 to be directed to the Ohio Rural Development office that serves your area.