WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $26 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 12 projects in Mississippi.
“Upgrading water infrastructure provides a path to economic growth and protects the health and safety of people who live and work in rural areas,” USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development Bette Brand said. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner to rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
These projects will help improve rural water infrastructure for thousands of residents. The projects are being funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.
Background:
The Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas with populations of 10,000 or less.
For example, as part of today’s announcement:
- South Central Water Association, located in Terry, MS, is receiving $13.9 million in loan funding to drill a 3,000 gallons-per-minute well, one elevated tank, and construction of a new shop. They will also make improvements to the distribution system, resulting in more efficient service to their customers and reducing costs across the board. These improvements will benefit 15,000 residents.
- The Hermanville Community Water Association will use a $128,000 loan and a $383,000 grant to upgrade existing water lines, install an automatic meter system, replace all existing meters, and install a backup generator and automatic transfer switch at the existing well site. Funds will also be used to replace chlorination equipment and install a new supervisory control and data acquisition system, benefitting over 1,000 residents.
- The East Chickasaw Water association will receive a loan of $378,000 and a grant of $460,000 to drill a new well that will alleviate existing pressure and supply issues in the western portion of their water system, which serves nearly 3,000 residents.
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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