Projects Will Improve Rural Water Infrastructure for 19,820 Rural Iowans and Businesses
DES MOINES, Oct. 29, 2020 – The Trump Administration, along with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director for Iowa Grant Menke, today announced that the USDA is investing $26.8 million in ten projects to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in Iowa. The projects are being funded through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant Program.
“Investing in improved water infrastructure provides a path to economic growth, while protecting the health and safety of the citizens who live and work in rural Iowa,” said Menke. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Perdue, USDA continues to be a strong partner for the infrastructure needs of rural communities, because we know that when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
The following ten projects announced today will help improve rural water infrastructure for 19,820 residents:
· The Eastern Iowa Regional Utility Service System is receiving a $700,000 loan and a $1.1 million grant to construct a community sewer system for the unsewered community of Petersburg. Eastern Iowa Regional Utilities Service (EIRUSS) will own and operate the system on behalf of the Delaware County and the residents of Petersburg. This new sewer system, consisting of an alternative collection system (LPS) and controlled discharge lagoon Publicly Owned Treatment Works system (POTW), will help improve the quality of life for rural residents.
· The city of North English is receiving a $610,000 loan and a $2.6 million grant to help complete improvements already in progress to the city’s existing wastewater system. Project funds will help construct a 3-cell aerated lagoon to replace the existing treatment plant, add ultraviolet disinfection, install new lining of the collection system, replace a lift station and replace deteriorated service lines that are contributing to infiltration and inflow.
· The city of Carter Lake is being awarded a $1.8 million loan and a $600,000 grant to make improvements to its existing, deteriorating sewer collection system infrastructure. Project funds will help repair and reline sewer system piping, as well as rehabilitate sanitary sewer manhole covers.
· The Chariton Municipal Water Department is receiving a $4.9 million loan to make improvements to its existing aging and undersized water distribution infrastructure. Project funds will help to install new water mains. These improvements will help the water system through higher quality system hydraulics, reduced failure frequency and increased water pressure for the 4,321 residents in the local service area.
· The city of Bedford is being awarded a $3.7 million loan and a $1.7 million grant to make improvements to the city’s existing water distribution system. Project funds will help to rehabilitate the existing water tower, replace all water main piping and purchase new water meters. These improvements will correct health and sanitary issues, improving the quality of life for Bedford's 1,482 residents.
· Winneshiek County is receiving a $76,000 loan to complete sewer system infrastructure improvements that are already in progress. Project funds will help to upgrade existing sewer system pumps, controls and the electrical system. These improvements will ensure proper system operation and meet peak demands and provide higher quality water pressure for the 166 residents of the surrounding community.
· The Cardinal of Eldon Community School District is being awarded a loan for $1 million to assist the Cardinal of Eldon Community School District with connecting to the City of Eldon's municipal sewer system for treatment. This project will construct a booster pump station and new sewer main piping that will connect the school district with the city of Eldon's sewer treatment. These improvements will allow the school district to provide safe, sanitary waste disposal for the 3,114 community members that it serves.
· The city of Elliott is receiving a $985,000 loan and a $512,000 grant to make improvements to the City of Elliott's existing wastewater collection system and to address significant inflow & infiltration concerns. These improvements include replacing and repairing water distribution piping, purchasing new water meters, installing new controls at the water tower, repairing and relining the interior of the water tower and painting the exterior of the water tower.
· The city of Stuart is being awarded a $4.9 million loan to make improvements to the City of Stuart's water distribution system and water tower. Approximately 45,715 lineal feet of the existing distribution system will be replaced, including the replacement or installation of associated hydrants and valves. The new water mains will be constructed with C900 polyvinyl chloride, ductile iron or other suitable water main piping as required. The City of Stuart will also be constructing a new 150,000-gallon pedestal supported elevated water storage tank. The tank will include a tower mixing system and the ability to operate at less than full capacity to avoid any issues with maintaining proper chlorine residuals.
· The city of Adel is receiving a $785,000 loan for addition funding to assist the City of Adel with the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant. This improved sewer system will help improve the quality of life for 3,682 rural Iowa residents.
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.
USDA Rural Development has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million residents living in rural Iowa. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with local offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly. These offices help to 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/ia or call (515) 284-4663. Follow us on Twitter @RD_Iowa.
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