OSGOOD, Iowa, Sept. 24, 2020 – Trump Administration officials today helped break ground on a $12.2 million United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural water infrastructure project in Iowa. This USDA Rural Development investment will develop Iowa Lakes Regional Water’s Osgood water source and increase its capacity to service the existing Superior, Emmet, East Lake Okoboji and Big Spirit Subsystems.
“This investment will bring modern, reliable water and wastewater infrastructure to rural Northwest Iowa communities while creating jobs and improving public health and safety for our rural neighbors,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA is committed to partnering with rural communities to help them improve their infrastructure, because when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
This funding was made available through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. 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.
Background:
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.
Interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development Iowa office for information about additional funding, application procedures and eligibility details. More information can be found on USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program webpage.
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 http://www.rd.usda.gov/ia or call (515) 284-4663.
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