Project Will Improve Rural Water Infrastructure for 1,230 Rural Residents and Businesses
TEMPLE, TX, Oct. 27, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $891 million to modernize rural drinking water and wastewater infrastructure in 43 states. State Director Edd Hargett reported this includes one project in Texas totaling $6.4 million.
“The investment announced today demonstrates our commitment to improving essential water services that will enhance the prosperity of rural Texans,” said State Director Edd Hargett. “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Texas in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”
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.
In Texas, East Smith County Sewer Service & Water Supply Corporation is receiving a $2.1 million loan and $4.3 million grant to construct a collection system, wastewater treatment plant and disposal system. There is currently no community wastewater system in the proposed project area. Sewer from the dwellings is treated and disposed on on-site. The existing on-site sewer systems are owned, operated and maintained by each homeowner. Due to the failing on-site systems, growth in the area has been limited. Some homeowners have even been forced to move due to high costs of maintaining their systems. Once this project is completed all residents of this area will have access to a safe and reliable wastewater disposal system.
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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