State Director for Rural Development Bob Chandler today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $4 million to help rebuild and improve water infrastructure for five communities, benefitting 5,600 residents in North Carolina.
USDA is working with local partners to provide financing for 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.
Below are the North Carolina investments USDA is making:
- In the Town of Pikeville, additional funding will modernize its wastewater treatment plant, which serves 678 residents. This project will improve the system’s capacity and reliability.
- The Town of Weaverville will benefit from $2.8 million loan used to increase water line capacity needs and water pressure needed due to growth in the area.
- The Town of Dobson is receiving additional funding for the water treatment plant project, which serves 2,563 residents.
- In the City of Saluda, a $178,000 loan will provide additional funding for water and sewer system improvements. This project will benefit 1,117 residents.
- The Goldston-Gulf Sanitary District is receiving a $289,000 loan to supplement funding for standpipe demolition, land purchase for storage tank, installation of tank and pump station.
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.