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USDA and Town of Randolph Celebrate Earth Day

Name
Jacqueline Susmann
City
Randolph
Release Date

The Town of Randolph celebrated Earth Day with USDA Rural Development on April 22nd at the Chandler Cultural Center. During the festivities, USDA announced an award of $7.67 Million ($5,023,000 wastewater loan; $2,644,000 grant) to replace the town’s 40 year-old wastewater system. The system was also heavily damaged by hurricane Irene.

Community members, town, state and federal officials were on hand to celebrate the award and to view energy and conservation displays provided by several not-for- profit organizations.

Town Manager Mel Adams emceed the event that included remarks by Molly Lambert, State Director USDA Rural Development, staff members of Senators. Leahy and Sanders and Representative Welch, Tom Joslin, VT Agency of Natural Resources and Chuck Goodling, DuBois & King Engineering.

There is nothing more important to the strength and vitality of our communities than a safe and reliable wastewater system” stated Molly Lambert, State Director. “It is key to the health of individuals and is essential to the survival and growth of our institutions and commercial establishments. USDA Rural Development is privileged to be a partner with the community of Randolph in this project.”

Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 to raise awareness about the role each person can play to protect vital natural resources and safeguard the environment. Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, organized through the efforts of the late Wisconsin Senator and conservationist Gaylord Nelson, the event has expanded to include participation by citizens and governments in more than 195 countries.

Since taking office, the Obama Administration has taken significant steps to improve the lives of rural Americans and has provided broad support for rural communities. The Administration has set goals of modernizing infrastructure by providing broadband access, expanding educational opportunities for students in rural areas and providing affordable health care. In the long term, these unparalleled rural investments will help ensure that America's rural communities are repopulating, self-sustaining and thriving economically.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $181 billion in loans and loan guarantees. 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 areas. For more information on Rural Development, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/nh-vtHome.html