The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced Tuesday that it has awarded $2,007,100 in grants and loans to expand municipal sewer and drinking water to parts of West Rutland.
"These upgrades will have environmental, health and economic impacts for hundreds of Vermonters in and around West Rutland," said USDA Rural Development Vermont and New Hampshire State Director Ted Brady. "The new sewer lines will help West Rutland citizens and businesses replace several costly and poorly functioning, on-site wastewater systems that threaten both the health of residents and the environment. The new water lines will deliver dependable, clean water to residents who may have struggled to find good well water."
Two grants totaling $723,100 and two loans totaling $1,284,000 will be used to extend West Rutland’s municipal water and sewer service 1 ¼ miles along Business Route 4 between West Rutland and Rutland Town. This well-traveled corridor has needed municipal utilities for decades. Landowners have inadequate on-site water and wastewater systems, preventing property improvements and business development. The water main will also provide fire protection to this area.
USDA Rural Development’s Water and Environmental Program awards grants, loans and loan guarantees to develop water and waste disposal systems in rural areas and towns unable to obtain financing from other sources at rates and terms they can afford. Funds can be used for construction, land acquisition, legal fees, engineering fees, capitalized interest, equipment, initial operation and maintenance costs, project contingencies and any other cost determined by Rural Development to be necessary for the completion of the project.
President Obama's historic investments in rural America have made our rural communities stronger. Under his 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, through its RD mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $201 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural areas. For more information on Rural Development visit the Vermont/New Hampshire Rural Development website (www.rurdev.usda.gov/nh-vtHome.html) or contact USDA RD at (802) 828-6000.