TEMPLE, TX, Aug. 4, 2020 – The Trump Administration announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $462 million to modernize critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure across rural America. State Director Edd Hargett announced this includes seven projects in Texas totaling over $22 million.
“USDA understands that safe and reliable water infrastructure is vital in order for our rural communities to thrive,” Hargett said. “The investments announced today demonstrate our commitment to improving essential water and wastewater services that will enhance the prosperity of rural Texans.”
Background:
USDA is funding 161 projects through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program. These investments will benefit 467,000 residents. The following are examples of projects being funded under today’s announcement in Texas.
- East Central Special Utility District will use a $4.9 million loan to upgrade approximately 5 miles of distribution lines which will aid in providing adequate flow and water pressure to current and future residents along Highway 87, Cooksey Road and Loop 1604. East Central SUD provides service to rural areas in Bexar, Guadalupe and Wilson counties.
- Fort Bend County Fresh Water Supply District #2 is receiving a $4 million loan to improve the water quality and pressure in the Four Corners and Rio Brazos service areas in Fort Bend County.
- The city of Seagraves will use a $4 million loan to update the wastewater treatment plant and reline the existing ponds. The proposed improvements include adding a mechanical clarifier, electrical upgrades, replacing the sludge pump equipment, and sludge drying beds. The improvements to the city's existing operation will bring the city into compliance with the state regulatory permit requirements and allow additional flow.
- Green Valley Special Utility District is receiving a $2.8 million loan to provide additional financing for the construction of two 1-million-gallon elevated storage tanks at Plant 3 and Plant 4. Based on the projected population and water service connections growth within Green Valley Special Utility District's system, the proposed projects will help provide a system that can meet storage and distribution requirements for the service area.
- Ira Water Supply Corporation will use a $550,000 loan and $450,000 grant to provide additional financing to complete water system improvements including replacing water lines, valves, constructing an elevated storage tank a supervisory control and data acquisition system. The goal of the project is to meet the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requirement for line size, water flow and reduce the water loss due to leaks. The Water Supply Corporation is located in rural Scurry County and serves a population of about 6,200.
- Nueces River Authority is receiving $359,000 loan and $4.6 million grant to provide wastewater service to 240 residents in the Twin Forks area and other local subdivisions surrounding the city of Leakey. The Texas Water Development Board will leverage funds to construct the collection lines.
- Rehobeth Water Supply Corporation will use a $117,000 loan and $82,000 grant to remove and replace the existing undersized waterlines and related appurtenances along County Road 302 in rural Panola County, to comply with state regulatory requirements.
To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, interested parties should contact their USDA Rural Development state office.
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.
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