USDA Rural Development State Director Vicki Walker today announced just over $450,000 in federal funding to support public facility upgrades with both the City of Monument and Grant School District.
“The Obama Administration is committed to helping Oregon’s rural communities remain vital and thriving into the future,” said Walker. “I am pleased that USDA is able to provide the financing needed for these important public facilities in Grant County.”
The City of Monument will receive a $106,505 grant and a $262,000 low-interest loan from USDA to improve equipment associated with the city-owned wastewater system. Funds will be used to add backup power, disinfect irrigation effluent, install potable water and a wash area at the lagoon site, and relocate the lagoon intake pipe. The system enhancements will improve worker safety and reduce odors. The funding will be provided through the Water and Environmental Program administered by USDA Rural Development for drinking water, sanitary sewer, solid waste, storm drainage facilities, and water well systems in rural communities.
Another grant of $82,500 will offset costs to repair the high school track facility operated by Grant County Schools. In addition to repairing the surface of the running track and pole vault runway for use by students, the improvements will benefit the local Special Olympics program and other community members who regularly use the facility. For this project, funds will be provided through USDA’s Community Facilities Program, which is designed to help small, rural communities construct and repair public facilities, including schools, community centers, hospitals, fire and rescue stations, and other essential public resources.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s 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’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
USDA has made a concerted effort to deliver results for the American people, even as the Department implements sequestration – the across-the-board budget reductions mandated under terms of the Budget Control Act. USDA has already undertaken historic efforts since 2009 to save more than $828 million in taxpayer funds through targeted, common-sense budget reductions. These reductions have put USDA in a better position to carry out its mission, while implementing sequester budget reductions in a fair manner that causes as little disruption as possible.