Acting Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development Joel Baxley announced that USDA is investing $116 million to help rebuild and improve rural water infrastructure for 171,000 rural Americans in 23 states, including Washington.
“Helping to bring modern water and wastewater infrastructure to rural communities will increase economic opportunities and improve the quality of life for rural residents,” Baxley said. “The funding USDA is announcing today will help bring safe and dependable drinking water to areas that lack it, alleviate unhealthy conditions, and protect our environment.”
USDA is working with local partners to provide financing for 49 water and environmental infrastructure projects. The funding is being provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program. It 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 through one of USDA Rural Development’s state or field offices.
In Washington State, USDA is investing over $1 million on behalf of Town of Friday Harbor to replace the headworks in its entirety and improve overall the town's wastewater treatment facility, benefiting a population of 2,162.
“USDA is committed to the future of small rural communities like Friday Harbor," said Kirk Pearson, State Director for USDA Rural Development in Washington State. "Investing in reliable, modern infrastructure is crucial part of that commitment as we work together to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for all rural residents."
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.