U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development California State Director Kim Dolbow Vann today highlighted two investments totaling $11.8 million for infrastructure improvements.
“We know that in order for California’s rural communities to continue to thrive, it is essential they have safe, reliable infrastructure,” said Vann. “The investments announced today will help improve two water systems and enhance the quality of life for 8,700 residents.”
Millview County Water District, located in Ukiah, Calif. (Mendocino County) will use a $3 million loan to purchase property to gain access to their four well sites. This will help secure water for future years and allow for maintenance 24 hours a day.
San Lorenzo Valley Water District, which serves Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek and Brookdale in Santa Cruz County, will use an $8.8 million loan to replace approximately two miles of water pipeline and two aging redwood water tanks. The improvements will help increase reliability, improve fire flow and water storage, and reduce water waste through leaks.
Funding is provided through USDA Rural Development’s Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, and can be used for drinking water, stormwater drainage and waste disposal systems for rural communities with 10,000 or fewer residents.
Eligible communities and water districts can apply online on the interactive RD Apply tool, or they can apply through one of USDA Rural Development California’s state or field offices.
Nationally, USDA announced investing $116 million for projects benefitting 171,000 rural Americans across 23 states.
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/ca and follow us on Twitter at @CaliforniaRD.