MOUNT LAUREL, NJ, Oct. 2, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small today announced that USDA is investing in 116 projects across the nation – to include New Jersey -- to expand access to a clean and reliable electric grid, safe drinking water and good-paying jobs for people in rural communities.
Part of the funding announced today will make water infrastructure in rural areas more resilient to the impacts of climate change and severe weather. In total, the Department is investing $1.3 billion to support projects in 30 states.
In New Jersey, USDA funding will be used to rehabilitate Pump Station #4 in Waterford Township, NJ. This project will improve the overall operation at the station and includes the replacement of the existing submersible pumps with new submersible pumps and controls. The existing wet well will be lined, and the walls will be extended to help protect the station from flooding. In addition to the installation of the new pump, a new generator will also be installed on-site. Collectively, the project will benefit over 4,000 township residents.
“Since day one, the Biden-Harris Administration and USDA have taken action to create good-paying jobs by making sure every community can benefit from safe drinking water and a reliable electric grid that lowers bills for hardworking families. Today’s $1.3 billion investment in over 100 rural water and electric infrastructure projects is a continuation of that commitment,” Deputy Secretary Torres Small said. “These projects will ensure that rural Americans have access to reliable, affordable energy and clean water no matter where they live.”
Through the USDA’s Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants program – which aims to expand access to clean and reliable drinking water, sanitary waste disposal and storm water drainage – 24 states will receive $443 million in funding.
Collective funding announced today will benefit rural communities in Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin.
USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and im
prove the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and healthcare; and high-speed internet access in rural, Tribal and high-poverty areas. Visit the Rural Data Gateway to learn how and where these investments are impacting rural America. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.
USDA Rural Development funds projects in New Jersey under the leadership of its state office staff located in Mt. Laurel and is supported by offices located in Hackettstown, Columbus, and Vineland. For more information on programs, visit our state website or follow us on social media.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender