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USDA Announces Investments in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Texas

Name
Erika Archie
City
Temple
Release Date

State Director for Rural Development Edd Hargett today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $10 million to help rebuild and improve rural water infrastructure for almost 9,000 rural Americans in Texas.  

    “USDA understands that the Water and Waste Disposal program is a vital funding source for our rural communities,” Hargett said. “The investments announced today demonstrate our commitment to improving essential water and wastewater services that will enhance the prosperity of rural Texans.”

   USDA is working with local partners to provide financing for three water and environmental infrastructure projects. Funding is being provided through the Water and Waste Disposal Loan and Grant program, and 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.

       Below are the investments USDA is making in Texas:

  • The City of Eden will use a $2.7 million loan and $3.8 million grant to replace old water distribution lines and sewer collection piping within the existing system and construct a lift station. This project will alleviate health concerns in the water system due to undersized lines, minimum pressure deficiencies, and ineffective circulation caused by multiple dead-end mains. There will be 2,766 customers served by this project.
  • El Paso County is receiving a $2.3 million loan to install approximately three miles of distribution lines and 13 fire hydrants.  This will provide 122 residents with safe and reliable water. 
  • Marilee Special Utility District will use a $1.3 million loan to construct a 300,000 gallon elevated water storage tank and make other improvements. The tank will provide redundancy during power outages. Marilee Special Utility District serves 5,973 residents.   

    In April 2017, President Donald J. Trump established the Interagency Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity to identify legislative, regulatory and policy changes that could promote agriculture and prosperity in rural communities. In January 2018, Secretary Perdue presented the Task Force’s findings to President Trump. These findings included 31 recommendations to align the federal government with state, local and tribal governments to take advantage of opportunities that exist in rural America. Increasing investments in rural infrastructure is a key recommendation of the task force.

   To view the report in its entirety, please view the Report to the President of the United States from the Task Force on Agriculture and Rural Prosperity (PDF, 5.4 MB). In addition, to view the categories of the recommendations, please view the Rural Prosperity infographic (PDF, 190 KB).

   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.