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USDA and Ellinger Sewer and Water Supply Corporation Announce Plans to Assess Cost of Correcting Water Quality Issue

Name
Gayle Aubrey
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Rural Utilities Service Administrator Brandon McBride today joined USDA Rural Development Texas State Director Paco Valentin and Ellinger Sewer and Water Supply Corporation Board Members to discuss recent funding from USDA that will be used to develop a Preliminary Engineering Report and Environmental Analysis. These reports will assess the cost associated with lowering excess levels of arsenic in the drinking water. Possible solutions include drilling a new well or installing filters to lower the arsenic levels.

"Clean, safe water is fundamental to the health and growth of our rural communities," said Rural Housing Administrator Brandon McBride. Since 2009, USDA’s Rural Utilities Service has invested nearly $47 million to improve water systems in rural areas nationwide. Because of our work, over 2.3 million rural residents have access to new and improved water and waste systems. Here in Texas, RUS has provided nearly $590 million in water and wastewater infrastructure to protect the health and safety of rural residents and the environment in over 500 communities."

"USDA Rural Development offers programs, such as the Special Evaluation Assistance for Rural Communities and Households Grant, that can assist communities in identifying any alternatives available to correct water quality problems that impact families and businesses in rural Texas communities," said Paco Valentin, USDA Rural Development Texas State Director.

President Obama’s historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger.  Under his leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. For information on this and other USDA Rural Development programs in Texas, visit http://www.rd.usda.gov/tx.